¡Ojo! What to expect in recruiting and retaining older Latinos in physical activity programs

Abstract

Older Latinos are the fastest growing cohort among older adults in the USA, and their lives are often fraught with comorbidities, such as diabetes and obesity. Strong evidence has demonstrated health benefits of regular physical activity for older adults. In spite of this, older Latinos participate in low levels of physical activity. Interventions designed to increase the physical activity of older Latinos are lacking, yet more are emerging as the number of older Latinos grows. Unfortunately, older Latinos face many impediments to participating in physical activity interventions that researchers are unaware of. The purpose of the current article was to identify barriers that researchers are likely to face in conducting physical activity interventions for older Latinos, highlighting recently identified barriers, and providing barriers we encountered specifically with older Latino adults; and strategies to overcome these barriers to implementation.

The Effects of the BAILAMOSTM Dance Program on Physical Activity Levels and Cognition of Older Latino Adults: A Pilot Study

“…Also, we were flexible with data collection and class times to accommodate the unique needs of older Latinos. All these factors were pointed out by Marquez et al (2020) as strategies to overcome barriers to the implementation of PA interventions with older Latinos.…”

Engagement in Physical Activity Improves after Participation in Pasos Para Prevenir Cancer—An Obesity-Related Cancer Prevention Program in El Paso, Texas

“…El Paso, along with other areas along the U.S.–Mexico border, is unique in that most who inhabit this region are Mexican Americans speaking both Spanish and English [ 30 ]. Most evidence-based educational programs have been tested and delivered to non-border older adults [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. This study provides new information on behavioral intervention tailoring in PPPC that resulted in modest but sustained increases in vigorous, moderate, and light physical activity up to 12 months after program participation.…”

The IGNITE trial: Participant recruitment lessons prior to SARS-CoV-2

“…There is no “one size fits all” approach. However, there is existing work that can serve as effective guides [ 14 , 24 , 25 ]. The IGNITE study team has begun sharing tested and vetted, culturally tailored education programs to increase engagement with African American and Hispanic/Latino communities [ 26 , 27 ].…”