Prosocial Behavior and Exercise Among Older Adults

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 55 and 80 years of age
• Physically underactive (moderate or vigorous physical activity for less than 2 days per week for the preceding 3 months)
• No evidence of any major psychological illness
• Written permission from the participant's primary care physician with specific certification of no severe risk of cardiovascular disease
• Participant resides within a 35-mile radius of the study site
• Participant will remain in the area for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported evidence of cardiovascular disease risk, or documentation by the primary care physician of at least one of the following within the past 5 years:

  • Myocardial infarction (MI)
  • Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
  • Chronic or unstable angina at rest or during physical exertion
  • New York Heart Association (NYHA) Type I through Type IV congestive heart failure
  • Unstable ventricular arrhythmias
  • Cardiovascular surgery (coronary artery or valvular heart disease)
  • Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
  • Intermittent claudication during physical activity
  • Edema in feet
• Self-reported or documented evidence of rheumatoid arthritis
• Self-reported or physician-reported evidence of current cigarette or cigar smoking

• Self-reported treatment for psychiatric illness within the past 5 years:

  • Treatment for major depression or schizophrenia
  • Currently receiving lithium or neuroleptics
  • Hospitalization with the last 5 years for depression, or clinical judgment of treatment for major depression
• Hearing or sight impairments
• Cognitive impairment
• Alcohol consumption greater than 21 drinks per week, or self-reported alcoholism
• Inability to speak or read English
• Judgment of clinical staff
• Current participation in another medical intervention study