Opportunity 

Physical activity is associated with many health benefits, including reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. However, more than 50 percent of adults in the United States do not participate in enough physical activity to achieve such benefits.   

Intervention 

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania leveraged Way to Health to test whether personal and social incentives could enhance older adults’ motivation to become active.  

The team conducted a randomized controlled trial with 94 adults aged 65 and older in Philadelphia-area retirement communities. All participants received digital pedometers, daily step goals, and weekly feedback on goal attainment. Participants were assigned to groups to receive: 

1. Weekly feedback only (control) 

2. A payment each week walking goals were met (financial incentives) 

3. A donation to a charity of choice each week walking goals were met (social) 

4. A reward that could be divided between the participant and charity (combined) 

The intervention lasted four months, and there was an additional month of follow-up during which participants continued to wear pedometers but did not receive incentives. 

Impact 

The number of days that step goals were met during the intervention period was higher in all intervention groups than in the control, indicating that financial and social incentives effectively promote increased walking among older adults.   

Future research should address whether walking increases can be sustained for longer periods and whether added walking translates to improved health and well-being outcomes.