Active Options

Frequently Asked Questions About Active Options

What Is Active Options?

Active Options is a nationwide, web-based, searchable database of physical activity and recreational programs. The Active Options database will make it easier for people to find information about physical activity and recreational programs in their communities. When the database is complete, users will be able to search for programs by specific activities and/or zip code. It was developed with older adults in mind, but other adults will find it useful as well.

What Are Its Goals?

The goal of the program is to improve access to information about physical activity programs nationwide as well as at the community level. Many adults know the benefits of increasing their levels of physical activity, but they don't know where to go to get involved. The site helps them find the programs that interest them by providing specific program information (time, location, types of programs, contact information) in an easy-to-use format. Also, Active Options helps organizations and businesses reach more potential participants, for free! Finally, this site assists Area Agencies on Aging, community planners, researchers, policy makers and others in identifying gaps in physical activity programs available to older adults in their communities.

Who Is Working On It?

Active Options was developed with the resources of the The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the CDC's Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN). At present, local and state leaders in North Carolina are working to enroll North Carolina communities. As part of that process, we are identifying "community champions" to spearhead Active Options in their regions or communities. Community champions will coordinate program roll-out and activities in their local areas. Community agencies and organizations, businesses, and senior centers are among those who may register on the site and list program information.

How Do Providers Enter Information?

The online survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. We can provide a paper version of the questions or take information over the phone if necessary. Please read the following instructions before getting started.
Enter the website: "www.activeoptions.org" Click on “physical activity providers.” Enter your email, create a password, and answer a few questions. Proceed as directed. Here are examples of the types of questions asked:

 Location of organization
 Contact information
 Type of organization
 Characteristics of population served
 Types of physical activity programs that are offered
 Facilities (e.g., pool, tennis courts)
 Equipment (e.g., free weights, treadmills)
 Accessibility (e.g., transportation/parking, fees)

Please note that your entry will not post immediately. Each new entry is reviewed by a community champion, a designated person familiar with your community, before it is included in the public database.

Who should enter information?

In North Carolina, all programs that sponsor physical activity programs are encouraged to enter their data. This would include golf courses, senior centers, bowling alleys, commercial gyms, and so one. We want to be as inclusive as possible in order to offer as full array of opportunities as possible to people who are looking for programs that are a good match with their interests.