Evaluation of MyPlate mini‐poster for older Latino adults: MiPlato para Adultos Mayores

Abstract

Culturally appropriate nutrition education materials are in high demand for the large and growing population of Latinos in the U.S. This study assessed older Latino adult responses to consumer messages, graphics, and foods included in the draft MyPlate for Older Adults mini‐poster for Latinos, MiPlato para Adultos Mayores (MPAM). Six focus groups (FGs) were conducted by trained moderators and a nutritionist observer with a convenience sample of 47 Latinos, 60 years or older, in 3 Florida counties. Two FGs were offered per county (one each in English and Spanish) to 35 women and 12 men, representing 9 Caribbean and Latin American countries. Discussions were tape‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes. Participants found MPAM to be informative, appealing, and culturally appropriate. They made recommendations for additional foods including papaya and fresh fish, and reduction in size of the red meat graphic. Daily food group recommendations were found to be practical. Participants liked the variety of silhouettes depicting physically active older adults and consumer messages were found to be clear, useful, and well organized. MPAM is being incorporated into lessons and educational materials for older Latino adults. The mini‐poster can be used by nutrition educators to teach MyPlate concepts to older Latino adults in a variety of educational settings. Funding provided by IFAS Dean for Extension, UF.