The Healthy Aging Lab is conducting a joint project that will benefit the students of three different, but closely related departments: health sciences (HS), dietetics & nutrition (DN), and health, physical education, and recreation (HPER) to bring a health promotion program to low-income seniors (aged 50+ years) in an diverse, East Anchorage housing community for low-income seniors (aged 50+).

The Lab conducted a community-based participatory research project to (1) assess community health needs, (2) develop a health promotion program incorporating nutrition education and physical activity called Community Wellness Breaks (CWB), and (3) implement CWB as a community-engaged project for students enrolled in HS A305 Public Health for an Aging Society during fall 2019.

The project allowed five undergraduate research students in the Health Sciences programs to conduct a needs assessment (phase I) and develop a CWB program plan (phase II) during summer semester 2019. They conducted several focus groups with a total of 30 participants to determine the specific needs and desires of residents in this community regarding education about nutrition, physical activity, and stress reduction. Focus group results have lead to the development of 2 new programs: a general wellness program called Community Wellness Breaks, and a bi-monthly dance class led by one of our Health Sciences students (minoring in dance).

Spring semester students enrolled in COHI 420 are receiving training and mentorship from HPER 483 practicum students, receiving hands-on leadership experience in program design and CWB implementation by teaching physical activity, nutrition, stress reduction, and overall wellness health education. Additionally, research assistant, Samantha Wanner, is teaching dance classes at the community every other week because of the specific request from residents.

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Reference

• Howell, B. M., Redmond, L. C., & Wanner, S. (2021). “I learned that I am loved”: Older adults and undergraduate students mutually benefit from an interprofessional service-learning health promotion program. Gerontology & Geriatrics Education 42(2), 252-267, https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2020.1791104