Hundreds of fitness and wellness facilities across North America are preparing to open their doors to older adults for the second annual Active Aging Week.

Funded by the dance-fitness programme, Jazzercise and the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), Active Aging Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and nutrition for older adults.

This year’s event will take place from 27 September to 3 October, 2004 and participating clubs are being encouraged to join up with Jazzercise instructors to offer free Jazzercise Lite fitness classes – a light version of the original Jazzercise program – or give older adults the opportunity to try other forms of physical activity.

On 1 October, free classes will be offered to older adults to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, a 14-year World Health Organization initiative, which promotes the importance of healthy and productive lives for aging adults everywhere.

A website has been launched to provide support, match interested facilities with Jazzercise instructors and provide educational materials. Details: www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm