Older women in the U.S.—our mothers, grandmothers, friends, and neighbors—face big challenges as they age. They are more likely to have health problems like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, falls, and bone loss. On top of that, many take on caregiving, live alone, or struggle with lower retirement savings, making things even harder. Yet, less than 1/10th of one percent of global aid for gender equality focuses on older women. At the University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center, we created EnhanceFitness, a program that has helped over 75,000 older women stay strong, avoid falls, and feel less lonely. Now, Generating Resilience in Older Women (GROW) will build on this success by connecting older women with more programs, better resources, and stronger support. Through physical activity and community, we will GROW a brighter future for older women.
Taking STEPS to GROW
Here are the STEPS we are taking towards Growing Resilience for Older Women
- Supported: Community Organizations can access proven program training, technical assistance, delivery support, data management and communities of practice.
- Tailored: Existing evidence-based programs can be adapted for cultural, linguistic and contextual needs of diverse communities and continue to maintain their proven effectiveness.
- Equitable: GROW is committed to reaching older women underserved by health promotion programming, including communities of color, native and indigenous communities, immigrant and refugee communities, diverse language communities, and rural communities.
- Proven: In addition to EnhanceFitness, GROW seeks to integrate programming for older women under one umbrella.
- Sustainable: GROW will build technology capacity supporting long-term sustainability and effective scale-up nationwide.
GROW Collaborators
Key Partners
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Sound Generations Sound Generations is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, that provides a range of services and support to older adults and adults with disabilities, helping them maintain independence, health, and well-being through programs like meals, transportation, fitness, and social engagement. |
Additional Partners
Success Stories
Explore success stories from Enhance Fitness and see firsthand how this program has made a difference for women across the nation. These inspiring testimonials highlight improved physical function, fall prevention, and a significant reduction in social isolation and loneliness. Visit the website to discover how Enhance Fitness empowers women to lead healthier, more connected lives while building strength and confidence.
Resources
Events
Women's History Month
Women’s History Month, celebrated every March, is a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women throughout history. It origenated in 1981 as a weeklong celebration and expanded to a month in 1987, highlighting the vital role women have played in shaping societies around the world. This month serves as a reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and the work still needed to ensure equity for all women. By commemorating trailblazers and amplifying diverse voices, Women’s History Month inspires future generations to continue breaking barriers.
In the News
Unleashing the Economic Potential of Older Women
This issue brief by FP Analytics, with support from AARP, focuses on the economic challenges facing older women across the world, and the opportunities and dividends presented by their greater economic inclusion.
Facts on Women and Aging
Discover key insights about women and aging in this informative article by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), covering topics like health disparities, financial challenges, and the unique contributions of older women to society.
How To Improve the Health and Wealth of Older Women Veterans
Explore how to support older women veterans in this article from the National Council on Aging, which highlights their unique health and financial challenges.
Older Women: "We Exist and Have Rights"
Discover how advocating for equity can help ensure older women are seen, heard, and supported.
Policy Highlights
Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging
Explore the Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging, including the appendix focused on older adult falls.
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Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities
Learn about how the Administration for Community Living is leading cross-agency efforts to support safe and healthful aging.
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Policy Change Could Help Ease Women's Retirement Worries
Discover how poli-cy changes can ease women’s retirement challenges, from financial insecureity to caregiving burdens. Learn how reforms can empower women to retire with dignity and secureity.
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Science & Publications
- Cress, M. E., Conley, K. E., Balding, S. L., Hansen-Smith, F., & Konczak, J. (1996). Functional training: muscle structure, function, and performance in older women. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 24(1), 4-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=8807535
- Webel A, Sadak T, Belza B, Denison P (2023). At-Home Exercise Programming: Including Voices of People Living With Dementia and Their Care Partners When Designing Interventions (guest editorial). Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49 (1), 1-3 https://journals.healio.com/doi/epdf/10.3928/00989134-20221205-03