Promoting Physical Activity in the Over 65s

The aim of the project is to evaluate the delivery, impact and cost effectiveness of a community based exercise programme (FaME); compared to a home based exercise programme (OEP) supported by similarly aged mentors; compared with usual care for primary care patients. Primary Objective: 1. To determine the effect on continuation of exercise of two evidence based exercise programmes designed for older people, compared with usual care i.e. with no special interventions to promote physical activity. Secondary Objective: 2. To determine the health benefits of the programmes to patients starting at various levels of physical activity, particularly the effects on physical and psychological status, health status and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). 3. To estimate the costs of the exercise interventions and to assess the cost-effectiveness of community group exercise, and home-supported exercise compared with usual care. 4. To determine the acceptability of the programmes, adherence rates, enabling factors and barriers to future implementation. 5. To determine participants\' perceptions of the value of exercise, and the predictors of continued exercise.