Health Trust Announces $175,000 to Support
Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults

Wellness By Design Conference Showcases National Best Practices and Physical Activity Programs for Seniors

For more information contact:
Nicole Kohleriter
Cell: (415) 385-2283

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2009

Today Health Trust CEO Frederick J. Ferrer announces the availability of grants to Santa Clara County based organizations to implement and enhance physical activity programs for older adults based on best practices. The announcement comes at the Wellness by Design Symposium, a day long conference at Santa Clara University for wellness professional to learn about national best practices and physical activity programs for older adults.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring people together, share information about which programs best support the physical activity and health of older adults, and then provide some seed money to expand the opportunities available right here in Silicon Valley,” says Health Trust CEO Frederick J. Ferrer.

Says Health Trust Healthy Aging Director Lori Andersen, “Physical activity is,” in the words of one Harvard Medical School professor, “the closest thing we have to a magic bullet. Everything that gets worse as we get older gets better with exercise."

Experts from across the county will present on topics including recruiting older adults to physical activity, designing effective programs, falls prevention, chronic conditions and care settings and walkable neighborhoods for seniors.

Symposium participants will leave with a Wellness by Design Compendium, a guidebook full of best practices and ideas for creating and enhancing programs in their own organizations.

Those who operate within Santa Clara County can apply to The Health Trust for a grant to support the creation or expansion of a best practice program at their organization.

“At The Health Trust, our Healthy Aging Initiative is all about helping aging adults enjoy more years in good health as vibrant members of their community,” says Andersen. “I am thrilled the Heath Trust can provide both information and resources to expand physical activity programs. We look forward to continuing our partnership with community organizations in this endeavor.”

To learn more about the conference, the compendium and the grant opportunity, please visit www.healthtrust.org/wellnessbydesign.

About The Health Trust

The Health Trust is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants, services and advocacy to support its vision of Silicon Valley as the healthiest region in America. In 2007 The Health Trust announced key initiatives in Healthy Living, Healthy Communities and Healthy Aging.

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