Cost Analysis of Physical Activity Interventions Among Latino Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Policy...

The current systematic review examined how community-based physical activity (PA) interventions for Latino older adults assessed intervention costs, health care utilization costs, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Five databases were searched for U.S.-based studies published from 2021 to 2025 that (a) assessed community-based PA interventions; (b) evaluated cost-effectiveness, reported intervention cost, and utilization data; (c) included populations aged ≥55 years; and (d) focused on Latino/Hispanic participants. Data were extracted on cost measurement methods, health care utilization metrics, and economic evaluation outcomes.

Few eligible studies met full criteria, and most interventions reported general program costs, whereas only a few incorporated health care utilization or conducted formal cost-effectiveness analyses. Programs that measured PA improvements generally demonstrated favorable cost patterns but lacked standardized reporting. Among the few interventions that included Latino participants, results were typically reported in combination with other racial or ethnic groups, limiting the ability to interpret cost and cost-effectiveness outcomes specific to Latino older adults.

The limited and inconsistent economic evaluation of community-based PA programs for Latino older adults highlights the need for more studies to evaluate intervention, utilization costs, and cost effectiveness reporting. Strengthening economic evaluations can guide resource allocation, support culturally tailored program development, and promote translating trial-based evidence into practical public policy for healthy aging.