Benefits of wellness programs among diverse older adults

As the aging population increases, functional disability and physical impairment become prevalent, and efforts regarding disease prevention and health promotion among older adults (aged 60+) are warranted. The present study was designed to explore the benefits of wellness program participation among diverse (i.e., culturally, religiously, functionally) older adults using social cognitive theory as the primary theoretical framework. The sample (N = 103) consisted of 48 diverse older adults who participated in a wellness program (e.g., YMCA, senior center), and 55 diverse older adults who did not participate in a wellness program. Consistent with previous research, it was found that participants in a wellness program reported higher levels of life satisfaction, quality of life, and overall strength and endurance than nonparticipants. It also was found that wellness program participants rated their current level of functioning higher and were less likely to receive professional or informal assistance than nonparticipants. Interestingly, low-income older adults did not rate their financial status, but rather their lack of transportation, as the major barrier to participation in a wellness program. Wellness programs should strive to maximize independence and successful aging in older adults, while providing a variety of wellness activities to meet the individual needs of the increasingly diverse population of seniors. Additionally, it is crucial that wellness programs provide a stimulating environment for older adults to be actively engaged in health-promoting physical activities, as well as provide an outlet for social interaction and maximization of functional autonomy in daily life.