A Community-Based Physical Maintenance Program for Frail Older Adults The Stay Well Program

This article describes an ongoing exercise program for frail community-dwelling older adults and provides some preliminary evidence of impact on functional status and health service utilization. Four hundred sixty older adults participated in the Stay Well program over a 9-year period. Health service utilization, heart rate, functional status, and health-related quality of life were measured at enrolment and 1-year follow-up. Although there were no significant differences in health-related quality of life, there were significant improvements in functional status and reductions in health system utilization. This program represents an effective strategy for promoting health and functional independence for frail older adults.