MOTIVATING OLDER ADULTS TO PARTICIPATE IN BALANCE AND EXERCISE PROGRAMS. Meredith H. Harris* Physical Therapy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA UNIQUE: An eight month exercise program was able to sustain consistent interest in older adults (age range 85-95). The program included measures of postural sway pre and post exercise to track changes in balance. PURPOSE: The purpose of the program was to develop a long term program of exercise and education to improve balance and strength in older adults. The ultimate goal was to prevent the incidence of falls in this group of community dwelling elders. FOUNDATION: In the United States, about 40% of people over the age of 65 suffer a serious fall each year at an annual medical cost of several billions of dollars. This number increases exponentially as age and infirmity increase. Falling and the fear of falling create havoc with the health and independence of the elderly population and makes it difficult for many of them to live independent lives in their communities. Approximately 1/2 of older adults hospitalized for fall-related injuries are discharged to nursing homes. Falls that do not lead to injury often begin a downward spiral of fear that leads to inactivity and decreased strength, agility, and balance and that often results in loss of independence in normal activities of self-care and independence. DESCRIPTION: This exercise program was conducted in several phases over a period of twelve months. Phase I was introduction to two groups of community dwelling elders the issue sa nd causes of falling. Phase II was enrollment in a r4esearch program to measure baseline postural sway. Phase II was the division of elders into four groups , three exercise and one non-exercise group. The exercise groups were a balance group, strength groupnad a balance exercise combined group. Phase IV was postural sway remeasures. Phase V was group and individual education based on sway measures. Phase VI was an exercise and walking program. Phase VII was a modified yoga/tai chi flexibility and strength program. OBSERVATIONS: The core group of 25 at each of two venues was sustained. In addition participation in each of the groups was increased by "occasional" participants. The request to extend and continue the program into a summer walking and exercise program came from the participants rather than the group leaders. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-phase program involving undergraduate physical therapy students served to increase awareness of older adults about a comprehensive approach to balance maintenance and fall prevention. Most importantly, the goal of having the older adults develop proactive strategies to maintain their functional skills and balance was realized. FUNDING SOURCE: Funding source for phase II was The Medical Foundation, Charles Farnsworth Trust, Boston, MA.Additional funding was provided by Northeastern University internal funding sources. KEYWORDS: fall prevention, elder exercise Copyright 2009 by the American Physical Therapy Association. Requests for reprints should be directed to the corresponding author of the article. Educators, students, and other academic customers may receive permission to reprint copyrighted material from Physical Therapy (ISSN 1538-6724) by contacting the Copyright Clearance Center Inc, 222 Rosewood Dr, Danvers, MA 01923. Other types of customers who want permission to reprint should contact the APTA Editorial Office, Attn: Physical Therapy.