Live Healthy Georgia ‐ Seniors Taking Charge outcome evaluation 2005–2006

Abstract

The Live Healthy Georgia - Seniors Taking Charge Community Intervention is a partnership of the Division of Aging Services, Department of Public Health, aging services network, and University of Georgia. The purpose of the 2005–2006 Community Intervention was to improve physical activity, nutrition, and diabetes self-management skills in Georgia Older Americans Act Nutrition program participants in all 12 Planning Services Areas of Georgia, serving more than 30,000 older adults. The intervention was evaluated in 40 senior centers (N = 815, mean age = 74 y, 16% men, 84% women, 44% white, 55% African American, 1% other ethnicity/race). The outcome evaluation included pre-tests, interventions (up to 16 weekly sessions, 1 hr each), and post-tests designed to measure improvements in lifestyle and diabetes self-management. The intervention significantly (p < 0.05) improved time spent in physical activity; total intake of fruits and vegetables; diabetes self-management skills such as healthy eating, spacing carbohydrates, and checking feet; and A1c (decreased by 1% in those with initial A1c > 8%). Program materials are available at: www.livewellagewell.info/study/materials.htm.