Bridging Healthcare and Physical Activity for Older Adults
Purpose and Vision
The EIM Active Aging Initiative aims to integrate physical activity into routine healthcare for older adults by:
- Making physical activity a standard part of clinical care
- Connecting patients with qualified exercise professionals
- Expanding access to safe and effective exercise programs
This initiative is a strategic priority for ACSM over the next several years, uniting interdisciplinary membership to improve the health and independence of older adults.
Strategic Goals
The initiative is built around three core goals:
- Integrate physical activity into routine care for older adults
- Enhance collaboration between healthcare providers and exercise professionals
- Expand access to evidence-based exercise opportunities
These goals are supported by three cross-cutting themes: research, education, and partnerships assuring a sustainable and impactful approach to active aging.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, educator, exercise professional, policymaker, or older adult, your voice matters. Help us:
- Promote the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS)
- Develop referral networks that connect patients to certified programs
- Advocate for policies that support active aging
- Develop new EIM tools and resources for older adults and their healthcare providers
Leadership and Collaboration
The initiative is championed by Paige Denison, a national expert in aging and physical activity, with leadership support from ACSM including:
- Liz Joy, MD, MPH, FACSM, Chair of the EIM Governance Board
- Mark Stoutenberg, PhD, MSPH, FACSM, EIM Program Officer
- Mariana Wingood, PhD, DPT, MPH, Chair of the EIM Older Adults Sub-Committee
- Ayland Letsinger, PhD, Chair of ACSM Strategic Health Initiatives on Aging
- Amal Wanigatunga, PhD, MPH, FACSM, Chair of ACSM Aging Special Interest Group
ACSM’s marketing, education, certification, and public communications teams are also key contributors to the initiative’s success.
Support for the Exercise is Medicine® Initiative is provided by:
