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Center for Behaviorial Institutional Design
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Forever fit

Increasing physical activities among seniors through scientifically tested nudges

Physical inactivity is a major global health concern, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and reducing quality of life, particularly among older adults. The challenge is especially pronounced in the UAE, where seniors rank among the least physically active populations worldwide.


In 2021-2022, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), C-BID designed and evaluated Forever Fit, a behavioral intervention to increase seniors' physical activity.


This initiative led to a 400% increase in daily physical activity among previously inactive seniors through carefully tested nudges. By applying behavioral insights, Forever Fit demonstrated that simple, well-designed interventions can create lasting improvements in health behaviors. Building on its success, the program has been implemented across Abu Dhabi, exemplifying how C-BID’s research directly informs and enhances public policy.

Project Contacts

Portrait of Nikos Nikiforakis

Nikos Nikiforakis

Co-Director C-BID

Portrait of Ernesto Reuben

Ernesto Reuben

Co-PI C-BID

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New York University Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

nyuad.cbid@nyu.edu

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© Center for Behavioral Institutional Design, 2025.

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