NCI received a three-year grant from the Administration on Aging (AoA) to establish an evidence-based prevention program based on physical activity at our senior centers. With guidance from the National Council on Aging, in 2003-04 they researched, adopted, and began replicating the EnhanceFitness program, using the name Activity Centers for Seniors (ACES).

Researchers at the University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center in Seattle, Washington, designed and piloted this physical activity program for participants at a senior center. The original pilot study demonstrated significant improvements in physical and psychosocial functioning for elderly participants who completed the six-month exercise intervention. The program consisted of three, one-hour classes a week involving cardiovascular conditioning, resistance and strength training, and flexibility and balance training.