Using television to reach older people with prevention messages: the Over Easy experiment

Results are presented from the 1978 multi-method national summative evaluation of the goal-directed television program, Over Easy. Targeted to persons 55 years of age and older, and setting informational, attitudinal and behavioral objectives, the Over Easy program successfully communicated prevention information, conveyed a positive philosophy of aging, and encouraged target group utilization of existing social services. Three design features of the Over Easy intervention are recommended for future social interventions attempted through television.