Below are examples of some nonprofit organizations that offer exercise programs for older adults or information about such programs. Most offer literature about exercise. Usually, single copies of pamphlets are free, but most organizations charge for bulk orders. Be sure to ask about the credentials of anyone leading an exercise program. If you have any doubts, check with your doctor to ensure that the exercises offered are suitable for you.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
P.O. Box 1998
Des Plaines, IL 60017
Phone: 1-800-824-BONES
Internet: http://www.aaos.org

Professional association of surgeons who care for the body's musculoskeletal system. Ask for free publications about how to safely do exercises like walking or stretching if you have arthritis, osteoporosis, or other musculoskeletal conditions, or if you have had a joint replacement.

American College of Sports Medicine
P.O. Box 1440
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Internet: http://www.acsm.org

Scientific and medical association of sports physicians, exercise scientists, and other health professionals with an interest in exercise. Trains and certifies people to work with older adults. Send self-addressed, stamped envelope for free brochures. Be sure to specify that you want material on exercise for older adults.

American Diabetes Association
1660 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-1500
Internet: http://www.diabetes.org

Offers free pamphlets about exercise for people of all ages who have diabetes. Request "Exercise and Diabetes," "Starting to Exercise," and "20 Steps to Safe Exercise."

American Heart Association
National Center
7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231-4596
Phone: 1-800-AHA-USA-1 Internet: http://www.Americanheart.org

Offers free pamphlets about exercise for people of all ages.

American Physical Therapy Institute
111 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
Phone: 1-800-999-2782
Internet: http://www.apta.org

Request "For the Young at Heart" (free exercise brochure).

National Association of Governor's Councils on Physical Fitness and Sports
Pan American Plaza
201 S. Capitol Avenue, Suite 560
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 237-5630
Internet: http://www.fitnesslink.com/Govcouncil/

Sponsors physical-fitness events for older adults; these events vary by state. Ask for address and phone number of your state's association.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
NHLBI Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Phone: (310) 251-1222
Internet: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/nhlbi/nhlbi.htm

Part of the National Institutes of Health. Offers free publications on exercise, diet, and cholesterol.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease Information Clearinghouse/NIAMS
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: (301) 495-4484
Fax copies on request (301) 881-2731 (follow instructions and enter "10301" for the publication number)
Internet: http://www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/

Part of the National Institutes of Health. Provides free information about exercise and arthritis; largeprint copies available upon request.

National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Health
Bldg. 31 Rm. 5C27
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892-2292
Information Center:
  Toll Free Phone: 800-222-2225
  Toll Free TTY: 800-222-4225
Internet: http://www.nih.gov/nia

Part of the National Institutes of Health. Call or write to receive free publications about health and fitness for older adults.

National Osteoporosis Foundation
1150 17th St. N.W. Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-2226
Internet: http://www.nof.org

Voluntary organization that promotes study and treatment of osteoporosis. Call to request free copy of "The Role of Exercise in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis," "Guidelines for Safe Movement," and "Fall Prevention."

National Senior Games Association
1307 Washington Ave. Suite 706
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 621-5545

Promotes healthy lifestyles and fitness through competitive sports for older adults. Forty-eight states have local chapters; national games held every 2 years. Entry fees may vary.

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
DHHS/OS/OPHS
200 Independence Ave., SW
HHH Bldg.
Room 738 H
Washington, DC 20201
Phone: (202) 690-9000
Internet: http://www.os.dhhs.gov

Provides "Pep Up Your Life," a free exercise booklet for older adults, in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons.

Presidential Sports Award/Amateur Athletic Union
Walt Disney World Resort
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000
Phone: (407) 828-3711
Internet: http://www.aausports.org

Call or write to receive a log on which to record your physical activities or sports activities. When you accomplish your goals, return the log with $8 to cover materials and shipping. You will receive a personalized certificate of achievement from the President of the United States, a congratulatory letter from the co-chairpersons of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and an embroidered emblem that can be sewn onto a blazer or sweater. Other wearable Presidential Sports Award items can be ordered, at additional cost, by calling 800-780-4048. (All sales support the Amateur Athletic Union/Presidential Sports Award.)

United States Department of Agriculture
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
1120 20th St., NW
Suite 200 North Lobby
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 418-2312
Internet: http://www.usda.gov/fcs/cnpp.htm

Call or write to receive a free booklet about nutrition for older adults. To see an explanation of the food guide pyramid on the Internet, visit the website and choose "food guide pyramid," then choose "interactive food guide pyramid." The website also offers a large-print version of the food guide pyramid.

U.S. Public Health Service
Office on Women's Health (PHS OWH)
200 Independence Ave., SW
Room 728F
Washington, DC 20201
PHS OWH Phone: (202) 260-9275
National Women's Health Information Center:
  Toll Free Phone: 1-800-994-9662
  Toll Free Phone: 1-888-220-5446
Website: http://www.4woman.org
Email: 4woman@soza.com

The U.S. Public Health Service's Office on Women's Health (OWH) encourages and assists all women to achieve and maintain a healthy, physically active lifestyle. Call the OWH toll free information line for referrals and resources on women's health, exercise, nutrition, and aging issues.

YMCA and YWCA
Check phone book for local listings.

Services vary from location to location: many offer exercise programs for older adults, including endurance exercises, strength exercises, water exercises, and walking.