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

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Despite the burgeoning U.S. Latino population and their increased risk of chronic disease, little emphasis had been placed on developing culturally sensitive lifestyle interventions in this area. This article examines older Latinas' sociocultural context relative to health with the goal of developing a culturally sensitive health behavior intervention. Photo-elicitation indicated two emerging themes that influenced lifestyle choices: family caregiving and religion. Researchers partnered with a faith-based organization to develop and implement a 6-month lifestyle intervention for Latinas ages 50 and older: Abuelas en Acción (AEA). At completion, interviews were conducted to understand women's experiences and the influence AEA had on their lifestyles and health. Findings suggest that religious content empowered and deeply affected women; however, the intergenerational content presented significant challenges for instruction, retention, and implementation. We discuss findings in relation to the health intervention literature and provide suggestions for future interventions drawing on religion, family, and health behavior change.

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This study sought to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and related barriers in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted, and a stratified random sampling procedure was used. A total of 359 older adults were interviewed. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Barriers to Physical Activity Practice were used to assess physical activity level and barriers, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed on the prevalence of physical inactivity in either gender or age groups. Regarding barriers, the proportion of 9 out of 22 barriers was statistically significant between men and women. Self-reported physical inactivity/activity in older Brazilian adults continues to be a concern. Uncommonly, older males reported a higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to their counterparts. Additionally, physical inactivity prevalence continued to increase with the aging process. Yet, personal barriers such as lack of time and poor health were strongly associated with physical inactivity. The results of this study may help health professionals and public policy makers to better address the issues related to a healthy lifestyle among older adults and promote physical activity among Brazilian older adults and in other countries with similar characteristics.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar e comparar os efeitos de três modalidades de atividade física: atividade física geral, dança e musculação, na capacidade funcional de idosos. A amostra foi composta por 94 idosos com idade média de 64,06 ± 7,38 anos, que participavam do PROFIT. Para a avaliação foi utilizada a bateria de testes da AAHPERD, da qual se obtém os níveis de flexibilidade, coordenação, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico, resistência de força e resistência aeróbia geral, antes e após quatro meses de intervenção. Os resultados apontaram de uma maneira geral uma manutenção nos níveis dos componentes da capacidade funcional. Os participantes do grupo atividade física geral obtiveram melhora dos resultados nos componentes: resistência de força, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico. Pode-se concluir que a prática de atividade física regular e sistematizada, independentemente da modalidade, pode ter influência positiva no desempenho funcional de idosos, podendo preservar sua independência e autonomia.