Blog
Project Enhance: A Unique Health Promotion Program for Older Adults
January 11, 2026
Developed by the University of Washington in partnership with Sound Generations in Seattle, WA (formerly known as Senior Services) and Group Health Cooperative (now Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc) in the mid-1990’s, Project Enhance provides research coordination, licensing, training, and support for two health promotion programs designed especially for older adults and people aging with disability: Enhance®Fitness (EF) is a low-cost, adaptable exercise program offering levels that are challenging for active older adults and levels that are safe for older adults who are less fit and/or frail. Enhance®Wellness (EW) is a motivational behavior change intervention specifically targeted to those with chronic conditions. EW encourages older adults to take on health challenges through a participant-centered approach.
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Both programs have been implemented successfully and sustainably with diverse populations in facilities around the country, including senior centers, YMCAs, churches, parks and recreation sites, affordable housing and retirement communities.
1. How are clients referred to Project Enhance?
While participants can self-register for EnhanceFitness, many are referred through healthcare and community hubs. Health providers sometimes have the information print on the patient visit summary using smartphrasing in an EHR but other times a patient navigator or community health worker is involved.
2. How does Project Enhance assess participants’ needs?
Project Enhance programs use a flexible, person‑centered process to understand each participant’s needs. Assessments vary depending on how someone is referred and what type of support they require. When individuals come through partners who already use defined eligibility criteria—such as healthcare providers, community organizations, or social‑care agencies—those needs are typically screened before the referral reaches Project Enhance. When needs are identified by professionals working directly with older adults, such as home‑modification specialists, care coordinators, or social prescribing link workers, the referral is directed to the appropriate internal team for follow‑up. Project Enhance program delivery organizations conduct a more detailed review to determine the most appropriate services. This adaptable structure allows the program to integrate seamlessly into different regional systems of care while ensuring that each participant receives support tailored to their individual circumstances
3. Do you utilize motivational interviewing or other behavior coaching with participants?
Yes. Within the EnhanceWellness pathway, we use motivational interviewing and other evidence‑based coaching as part of a co‑created Health Action Plan. Participants choose their own goals and select from validated measures to track progress, and a trained health coach supports them throughout the process.
4. How are participants supported in navigating barriers to attendance?
EnhanceFitness is designed to be accessible, with many sites offering the program at low or no cost, and partner locations such as YMCAs often making classes available without requiring full membership. Because participating organizations typically focus on serving older adults and people aging with disabilities, transportation needs are routinely part of the conversation. Across the country, providers address this in different ways—some operate accessible shuttles, others coordinate volunteer driver programs, and many partner with local transportation services or subsidize rides through community mobility programs. The goal is to ensure that transportation is not a barrier and that participants can reliably access classes in whatever way works best for their region.
5. How is outcome data shared?
We always share it with the person - it is their data. We share it with the provider when an agreement is in place and with participant consent.