Stand Up for Your Health is a 4-week + group program designed to help older adults reduce sedentary behavior, not increase exercise. Aimed at those who sit more than six hours a day, the program helps participants learn about the health risks of prolonged sitting, the benefits of standing more, and simple strategies like standing while on the phone or during TV commercials. Weekly two-hour sessions focus on self-regulation skills like goal setting, self-monitoring, and building confidence to sit less. A follow-up refresher in week 8 supports long-term success. This program is evidence-based to reduce sedentary behavior by 68-minutes/day. In addition, it has been shown to improve physical function and quality of life. The program is disseminated by the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA), which provides facilitator training and support.
Target Audience: Adults 55+ who sit for more than 6 hours a day
Health Outcomes:
- Reduced sedentary behavior by 68 mins/day
- Improved physical function
- Improved health-related quality of life
- Reduced pain intensity and interference
Delivered By: 1 Trained Lay Leader/Facilitator
Training: Leader training takes 1.5 days is available remote/virtually
Program Type: Group
Format: In-Person in Community, Remote (Virtual Programming/In home)
Length: 4 weeks, one 2-hour session per week. Plus, a 2-hour Refresher Session at week 8.
Participant testimonial: “The awakening of just standing up and how much it improved my life was valuable. Once you start counting the minutes, you understand how much you are sitting. I have incorporated more standing during the day into our lifestyle.” -Sue C.
Professional Required: No
Accessibility adaptations available: No
Cultural adaptations available: No
Available in languages other than English: No
Data Collection Requirements: Yes, it is a requirement of implementing the program.
Topic(s):
- Physical Activity
- Sedentary Behavior
Contact: standup@wihealthyaging.org
Additional resources:
Learn more about Stand Up For Your Health.
