Frequently Asked Questions

What is Active Aging?

Active Aging takes place when communities offer older adults a variety of structured and unstructured physical activities in which they can participate.  Please visit our page providing resources for Active Aging

What is Smart Growth?

What is an evidence-based program?  Even among experts in the field, there is no standardized definition.  However, meeting participants provided a list of criteria that would distinguish this type of program from other offerings.  They agreed that evidence-based programs are usually (but not always) those that have been tested in a randomized clinical trial with statistically significant benefits, which can be duplicated in multiple settings and with diverse populations.  Additionally, trial outcomes have been published in a peer-reviewed academic journal, and the program provides reproducible materials such as manuals or toolkits.  Evidence-based programs generally adhere to widely accepted ACSM/AHA physical activity recommendations and guidelines and almost always include a rigorous evaluation component.  Validity and quality are important criteria in the development of evidence-based programs, but affordability and sustainability are critical considerations at the local level.

How do I get started?

There are many resources available to help you get started.  We have created a list of these resources on the following page of our site: Getting Started

What resources are available?

We have provided a various resources related to Active Aging and Smart Growth.   Please contact us if you have trouble finding what you are looking for or have suggestions for resources at: connect@learningnetwork.org

What is an evidence-based program? 

Even among experts in the field, there is no standardized definition.  However, meeting participants provided a list of criteria that would distinguish this type of program from other offerings.  They agreed that evidence-based programs are usually (but not always) those that have been tested in a randomized clinical trial with statistically significant benefits, which can be duplicated in multiple settings and with diverse populations.  Additionally, trial outcomes have been published in a peer-reviewed academic journal, and the program provides reproducible materials such as manuals or toolkits.  Evidence-based programs generally adhere to widely accepted ACSM/AHA physical activity recommendations and guidelines and almost always include a rigorous evaluation component.  Validity and quality are important criteria in the development of evidence-based programs, but affordability and sustainability are critical considerations at the local level. (Source: Building on Best Practices: Consensus Report on Physical Activity Programming)