This paper reports analysis of data from the Senior Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP), targeting congregate site and meals-on-wheels users at senior centers in Wichita and Great Bend, KS. Analysis employs data for 141 participants who responded to surveys in both 1998 and 2000 at congregate sites. Average participant age was 76.2 years, and 60.4% were female. The participants completed measures of physical activity stage of change, self-efficacy, support and options for physical activity at both time points. The participants reported little change in stage of change, fewer reporting the action and maintenance stages (49.6% vs. 47.8%), more reporting the preparation stage (37.1%, 32.6%), fewer reporting change in precontemplation and contemplation stages (15%, 17.7%). Cumulative logistic regression analysis was employed to explain progression on stage of change (by including 1998 stage of change to explain 2000 stage of change). In cumulative logistic regression, age, gender, marital status, and education did not explain altered stage of change; but 1998 self-efficacy strongly predicted more positive change between 1998 and 2000. When added to the equation, neither 1998 support for physical activity nor 1998 physical activity options nor 1998 regularity of physical activity explained alterations in stage of change. Thus, those who had reported lower self-efficacy in 1998 were more likely to report being at a lower stage of change in 2000 than in 1998, while no other variable in the analysis showed explanatory power. Self-efficacy appears critical to advancing, as opposed to regressing, through stages of change in physical activity.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion, participants should be able to: 1. recognize issues of a healthy physical lifestyle for seniors; 2. consider factors contributing to intentions to maintain such a lifestyle, 3. and identify implications for intervention activities to promote such a lifestyle.
Keywords: Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity
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