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Updated: May 12, 2026
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A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Published on: March 7, 2020
Champions in a lifestyle risk-modification program: reflections on their training and experiences
Samar Aoun1, Shaouli Shahid, Linda Le
1Western Australian Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia. s.aoun@curtin.edu.au
Summary
Lay health advisors (LHA) successfully led a community health program, the 'Waist' Disposal Challenge (WDC), reducing chronic disease risk factors. The intervention improved personal, peer, and community health, demonstrating the value of peer-to-peer support.
Area of Science:
- Community Health Interventions
- Lifestyle-Related Chronic Diseases
- Obesity Prevention
Background:
- The 'Waist' Disposal Challenge (WDC) is a community-based health initiative.
- It targets risk factors for chronic diseases and obesity.
- The program is implemented within Rotary clubs in Western Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a lay health advisor (LHA)-led health promotion intervention.
- To explore Champions' experiences with training and program implementation.
- To assess the perceived role and impact of LHAs in their clubs.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-method research design.
- Training of 93 lay health advisors (Champions).
- Delivery of educational sessions and monthly weigh-ins.
Main Results:
- The LHA-led intervention (WDC) showed positive impacts on Champions and Rotary clubs.
- Results aligned with the Natural Helper Intervention Model's social action arenas.
- Peer-to-peer social support and community attachment were key outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Champions reported improved personal, peer, and community health.
- Enhanced health awareness, behavior, and community capacity were observed.
- LHAs are valuable for self-management education, especially for hard-to-reach populations.
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