Impact of a Mobility Program

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50 years admitted to one of the five hospital wards of the Birmingham VA Medical Center (VAMC) for any medical illness, e.g.: * Pneumonia * Heart failure * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation * Or other medical (versus surgical) indication for hospitalization * Patients will be recruited within 48 hours of hospitalization, followed throughout their hospitalization and for one year after hospital discharge. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients admitted for brief observation will be excluded, e.g.: * 23-hour observation for possible myocardial infarction * Additional exclusion criteria will include: * Inability to walk across a small room 2 weeks prior to admission * Inability to walk safely with assistance, based on a strength and balance screen (see Training of Walkers, below for details) * Having a pulmonary embolus, unstable angina or other medical diagnosis deemed by the primary physician to be a contraindication to walking * Being on hospice or comfort care * Being in a semi-private room with another currently enrolled participant * Non-English speaking, blind, or deaf