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AJPH First Look, published online ahead of print Feb 28, 2007
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AJPH.2006.090522v1
97/4/710    most recent
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April 2007, Vol 97, No. 4 | American Journal of Public Health 710-717
© 2007 American Public Health Association
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2006.090522

RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

Eat Better & Move More: A Community-Based Program Designed to Improve Diets and Increase Physical Activity Among Older Americans

Nancy S. Wellman, PhD, RD, FADA, Barbara Kamp, MS, RD, Neva J. Kirk-Sanchez, PhD, PT and Paulette M. Johnson, PhD

Nancy S. Wellman and Barbara Kamp are with the National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Aging, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami. Neva J. Kirk-Sanchez is with the Department of Physical Therapy, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami. Paulette M. Johnson is with the Statistical Consulting Department, Florida International University, Miami.

Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Nancy S. Wellman, PhD, RD, FADA, National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Aging, Florida International University, OE 200, Miami, FL 33199 (e-mail: nancy.wellman{at}fiu.edu).

Objectives. We assessed outcomes of an integrated nutrition and exercise program designed for Older Americans Act Nutrition Program participants as part of the Administration on Aging’s You Can! campaign.

Methods. A 10-site intervention study was conducted. Preintervention and postintervention assessments focused on nutrition and physical activity stages of change, self-reported health status, dietary intakes, physical activity, and program satisfaction.

Results. Of 999 enrollees, the 620 who completed the program were aged 74.6 years on average; 82% were women, and 41% were members of racial/ethnic minority groups. Factors associated with program completion were site, health conditions, and nutrition risk. Seventy-three percent and 75% of participants, respectively, made a significant advance of 1 or more nutrition and physical activity stages of change; 24% reported improved health status. Daily intake of fruit increased 1 or more servings among 31% of participants; vegetables, 37%; and fiber, 33%. Daily steps increased 35%; blocks walked, 45%; and stairs climbed, 24%. Program satisfaction was 99%.

Conclusions. This easy-to-implement program improves diets and activity levels. Local providers should offer more such programs with the goal of enabling older Americans to take simple steps toward successful aging.






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