Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

Locator

Contact

Ask a Question

Toll Free Numbers

Locator

Hospitals and Clinics

Vet Centers

Regional Benefits Offices

Regional Loan Centers

Cemetery Locations

VA » Health Care » Geriatrics and Extended Care » Gerofit - A Program that Promotes Exercise and Health for Older Veterans

Geriatrics and Extended Care

Gerofit - A Program that Promotes Exercise and Health for Older Veterans

The Gerofit Program

Gerofit is a supervised exercise program for older Veterans that was developed at the VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, in 1986. As a part of Gerofit, you are given a personal exercise program based on your physical profile and goals. You are welcome to remain in the program as long as they wish.

Gerofit can include individual and group based exercises such as Tai Chi, line dancing, balance, core coordination, and strengthening classes. Your exercise program may include treadmills, elliptical machines, stair climbers, bicycles and a variety of strengthening machines. Guidance in carrying out the exercise program is provided by trained exercise staff such as a nurse or physical therapist.

Participants in the program have demonstrated improved health, physical function and well-being. They have shown improvements in blood pressure, diabetes management, symptom management, well-being, quality of life, physical function, overall fitness, and longevity.

Staying Active

Gerofit is a great way for older Veterans to stay active. Learn about other evidence-based VA and community programs for staying active including:

Arthritis Foundation

Gentle Tai Chi, aquatics, and walking routines that are safe, easy to learn, and suited for every fitness level
Enroll in a class with other people, or buy a DVD to do exercises at home

www.ArthritisToday.org - Activity Types
www.ArthritisToday.org - The Walk with Ease Program

Go4Life (National Institute on Aging campaign)

Helps you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life
Offers exercises, tips, and free resources to help you get ready, start exercising, and stay active
Includes an exercise guide, a video, and an interactive website

http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/