California Active Aging Network

The Marin County Task Force Model
On Strength Training for Seniors

The Marin County Task Force on Strength Training for Seniors was organized in September 1996. In two years, with only in-kind donations, the task force:

• Significantly increased public awareness of the benefits of strength training for older adults through community forums, distribution of community newsletters, and production of a video.

• Enhanced the professional skills of older adult activity directors and others with physical fitness training workshops and certification programs.

• Facilitated organizational changes that brought strength-training classes with trained instructors to skilled nursing facilities, senior residential communities, parks and recreation departments, senior centers, and low-income senior housing facilities.

• Established a foundation for future endeavors with the creation of the Marin Association of Senior Strength Trainers.

This program was so successful that it received a National Exemplary Program Award from the American Public Health Association in 1999.

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