the results of this study suggest that continued work involvement or volunteerism provides opportunities for social interaction and engagement and may be associated with enhanced mental well-being. Future research should clarify which specific aspects of volunteerism are related to long-term mental well-being.

Although no amount of physical activity can stop the aging process, a moderate amount of regular exercise can minimize the physiological effects of an otherwise sedentary lifestyle and increase active life expectancy by limiting the development and progression of chronic disease and disabling conditions. Ideally, exercise prescription for older adults should include aerobic, muscle strengthening, and flexibility exercises. In addition, individuals at risk for falling or mobility impairment should also perform specific exercises to improve balance. The intensity and duration of physical activity should be low at the outset for those who are highly deconditioned, are functionally limited, or have chronic conditions affecting their ability to perform physical tasks. Furthermore, the progression of activities should be individualized and tailored to tolerance and preference. Incorporating principles of behavioral change into the design and application of exercise and physical activity programs will increase the likelihood of an individual initiating and maintaining a regular program of exercise and/ or physical activity. Strategies for maintaining physical function and improving overall health of older adults with chronic conditions and disability are discussed. All older adults with and without disabilities should be encouraged to develop a personalized physical activity plan that meets their needs and personal preferences.

No abstract

No abstract

-Despite increased governmental efforts towards promoting healthy and active lifestyles among Brazilians, physical inactivity is a serious concern in the population. Therefore, we developed a new approach to community interventions for the promotion of physical activity called "Project VAMOS: Active Living, Enhancing Health". In this article we review information about the conception of the program, as well as name, brand, and logo development. We discuss issues related to translation and cultural adaptation, evaluation strategies, and we review lessons learned from the pilot phase of the project that involved older adults and public health centers (CS) in Florianopolis. One hundred older adults registered in six CS participated in the pilot study. They were randomly assigned into three different groups: "VAMOS" (n=33), traditional physical activity classes (n=35), and a control group (n=32). "VAMOS" is an educational program based on behavioral change principles that consists of 12 meetings. Based on an American evidence-based program ("Active Living Every Day"), "VAMOS" was translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian context. A number of adjustments were made to the original American version of the program prior to conducting the pilot study. For example, the content of the lessons and homework were revised, we shortened the length of the lessons, as well as lowered the complexity of some of the materials. The results of the pilot study suggest that there was broad acceptance of the "VAMOS"program by the older adult participants. Also, interviews with administrative staff and health professionals working for the CS indicated a possibility and interest to continue to offer "VAMOS" as part of their regular programming for the community. In summary, "VAMOS" has great potential to be used with the Brazilian population. Adjustments are necessary for its utilization with other age groups and across different regions in Brazil. Key words: Behavioral change; Older adult; Physical activity program; Public health centers. fisica "tradicional" (n=35) Resumo -Apesar do aumento nos incentivos públicos voltados à promoção de um estilo de vida ativo entre os brasileiros, o perfil de inatividade física da população � preocupante� �este senti� � preocupante� �este senti� preocupante� �este senti� do, desenvolvemos uma nova estrat�gia de intervenção na comunidade por meio do programa "VAMOS: Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde"� �este artigo, serão discutidos informações referentes à concepção, à criação do nome, ao logotipo, à tradução, às adaptações culturais, às estrat�gias de avaliação do programa e aos primeiros resultados obtidos no estudo piloto conduzido entre idosos em Centros de Saúde (CS) de Florianópolis� Participaram do estudo 100 idosos cadastrados em seis CS� Os idosos foram direcionados aleatoriamente a participarem de um dos três grupos do estudo: "VAMOS" (n=33), atividade

The promotora delivery model has promise for program sustainability with both promotoras and participants alike expressing interest in leading future programs.

Few interventions have used faith-based approaches in health promotion programs among US Latinos, a notably religious population. This article explores the perceptions of church leaders, promotoras, and program participants on the Catholic religious context and content of a community-based intervention addressing physical activity, nutrition, and stress management for Chicago Latinas aged 50+. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted. Viewed as trustworthy, natural, and authentic, the church setting nurtured community bonds. Moreover, the program's religious content encouraged Latinas to feel motivated, connected, and engaged with the program in meaningful ways. Overall, faith-based health promotion programs offer a promising approach for Latino-centered interventions.

Mass communication health campaign messages play critical roles in public health, yet studies show mixed effectiveness in reaching and impacting underserved populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of using visual and participatory research techniques toward health message development targeting older Hispanic women. Demographic information and levels of physical activity were first obtained in a sample of older Mexican women (n = 23; ages 71.9 ± 7.6 years) living in the city of Chicago. Perceptions of physical activity were then assessed using a visual research method known as photo-elicitation. Health message concepts promoting physical activity were developed with a subsample of the target population using a participatory approach. Photo-elicitation helped develop a unique understanding into the many factors impacting physical activity among older Mexican women. Follow-up in-depth interviews provided detailed narratives that (a) built upon visual data and (b) identified characteristic differences between physically active and inactive women. Ultimately, these findings were beneficial in constructing new, culturally tailored message concepts. Findings suggest that this method may be a valuable tool in the development of mass communication health messages, extracting rich and meaningful data from target audiences while fostering a sense of partnership between researchers and community members. Tailoring and improving the message design process around the needs of underserved populations is essential in the effort to eliminate the burden of health disparities. This study uses innovative interdisciplinary research techniques to explore new approaches to public health communication in underserved populations.