At-risk older adults need community-based nutrition programs that improve nutritional status and practices. This 6-month study assessed the impact of the traditional Chef Charles (CC) program (Control) compared to a theory-based CC program (Treatment) on nutritional risk (NR), dietary intakes, self-efficacy (SE), food security (FS), and program satisfaction for congregate meal participants. Participants were mostly educated, single, "food secure" White females. NR change for the treatment group was significantly higher (P = 0.042) than the control group. No differences were noted for SE or FS change and program satisfaction between groups. The overall distribution classification levels of FS changed significantly (P < .001) from pre to post. Over half (n = 46, 76.7%) reported making dietary changes and the majority (n = 52, 86.7%) rated CC as good to excellent. Results suggest the theory-based CC program (treatment) is more effective in reducing NR and dietary practices than the traditional CC program (control).
U.S. older adults are not meeting the recommendation for whole grain (WG) intake. This pilot study determined the influence that a WG nutrition education program for community-residing adults aged 60 + years has on WG knowledge and behaviors. The program included WG education and discussion, participation in hands-on activities and taste testing. Participants were mostly white, females. Total grain and WG dietary intake frequencies (WG frequency; p ≤ 0.001), and "knowledge score" increased from PRE to POST (p ≤ 0.001). Participants in PowerPoint-based classes had a higher "knowledge scores" at POST (p = 0.002). Nearly all (n = 139, 88.5%) intended to eat more WG foods, with almost two-thirds (n = 93, 59.3%) reporting a "strong" intention to do so. There was a positive association between strength of intention to eat WG foods and "WG frequency" at POST (r = 0.435, p ≤ 0.001). Results suggest that this WG program is an effective strategy for improving WG knowledge and behaviors among older adults.
The growing number of United States youth and adults categorized as overweight or obese illustrates a need for research-based family wellness interventions. Sequential, online, Extension-delivered family wellness interventions offer a time- and cost-effective approach for both participants and Extension educators. The 6-week, online Healthy Families Challenge (HFC) resulted in increased daily fruit and vegetable servings and leisure-time physical activity. These findings suggest that an Extension-delivered, sequential, online family wellness program is an effective education strategy.
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