A continuum of health for older adults.

What started as an effort to enhance the continuum of health for older adults, and position public park and recreation agencies, senior, fitness and wellness centers, and the parks and recreation profession as partners and key providers of service, has become part of the national agenda. The Colorado Park and Recreation Association (CPRA) approved a resolution brought forward by the Director's Section in December 2004 that committed their support to this cause and political attention in their legislative efforts.

Colorado's position has since been shared with the members of NRPA's Midwest Regional Council (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming) in October 2004. In April 2005, at its semiannual meeting, it too supported the resolution, adding the combined regional support to the cause and directing that the effort go forth for consideration to the Public Policy Committee of the Board of Trustees for NRPA.

In October 2005, at the NRPA Annual Congress in Sail Antonio, Texas, the Public Policy Committee amended the existing policy statement on Recreation and Older Americans, adding another belief (#13) to the statement. The following excerpt is from the proposed NRPA Policy, 13. Recreation and Older Americans:

Statement of Policy

NRPA recognizes that high quality, accessible park and recreation opportunities constitute an important aspect of the quality of life for older citizens. It is therefore the policy of the Association to:</p> <pre> Emphasize that recreation centers and senior centers serve as recognized sources

for prevention programs and wellness promotion in the health care continuum of older adults. Emphasize that recreation centers and senior centers are a vital link for chronic disease prevention program ruing. Encourage the continued dedication to improving the skill level of personnel to meet the growing demands for quality life through lifelong disease prevention and an active, healthy lifestyle. </pre> <p>The tie to the NRPA national policy agenda will be incorporated into the state plan, providing a great opportunity for the plan to serve as a comprehensive older adult wellness blueprint for other states. It will definitely be a call to action in our state with national support.

Written by Karon Badalamenti, CPRP, NRPA Midwest Regional Council representative, and Chris Katzenmeyer, director, Consortium on Older Adult Wellness (COAW)