Eat better & move more: a community-based program designed to improve diets and increase physical activity among...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Older adults often face challenges maintaining adequate nutrition and physical activity.
• The Administration on Aging's You Can! campaign aimed to promote healthy lifestyles among seniors.
• Integrated programs can address multiple health behaviors simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the outcomes of an integrated nutrition and exercise program for Older Americans Act Nutrition Program participants.
• To evaluate the program's impact on dietary intake, physical activity, and health status.

Main Methods:

• A 10-site intervention study was conducted with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
• Evaluated stages of change for nutrition and physical activity, self-reported health, dietary intake, and physical activity levels.
• Program satisfaction was also measured.

Main Results:

• 620 participants (average age 74.6) completed the program; 82% women, 41% minority.
• Significant improvements observed: 73% advanced in nutrition stages, 75% in physical activity stages.
• Increased daily intake of fruits (31%), vegetables (37%), and fiber (33%); physical activity increased (steps 35%, blocks walked 45%).

Conclusions:

• The integrated program is effective and easy to implement for improving diet and activity in older adults.
• Encourages local providers to offer similar programs to support successful aging.
• Highlights the potential for simple lifestyle interventions to enhance well-being in seniors.