ABSTRACT
Due to limited access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables, older adults are at increased risk of worsening or developing chronic diseases. This paper describes a community-academic partnership that provides a sustainable source of blackberries to attendees of a rural senior center. Qualitative research evaluated the partnership following implementation of a blackberry program. Focus groups and interviews included partners from a senior center, Cooperative Extension Service, and a detention center. Main themes: group power dynamics influenced communication between research and community leadership teams; unexpected project barriers emerged; and community leadership team suggested strategies to promote project longevity.
ABSTRACT
Keys to Embracing Aging (KTEA) is a community-based educational program that introduces and reinforces health behaviors that promote healthy aging. Data from 12 distinct KTEA lessons delivered by 42 Cooperative Extension educators to 764 unique participants across one year were examined to determine the program's impact on attitude, diet, physical activity, brain health, belonging, staying up-to-date, safety, health, stress, finances, sleep, and self-care. The most frequent immediate behavior changes occurred in practicing self-care, developing a positive attitude, and making safe choices. And longer-term behavior change was reported in the areas of maintaining a positive attitude, brain health, and healthy eating. Participants discussed challenges related to time, commitment, and maintaining a habitual routine of healthy behaviors. KTEA outcomes indicated a promising community-based educational program and supported continued investigation and development in health promotion within Cooperative Extension. Future research is needed to examine the versatility and long-term effects of the KTEA intervention.
