Factors impacting the implementation of evidence-based wellness programs in Illinois senior centers

Background: Older adults from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, living in rural areas, or with lower socioeconomic status are more vulnerable to experience chronic diseases and conditions than their counterparts.  Physical activity and proper nutrition have been shown to help prevent and manage these conditions. While evidence-based programs have been developed to increase physical activity and enhance nutrition in older adults, there has also been limited research to determine to what extent evidence-based programs actually reach individuals in local communities, especially vulnerable populations. Purpose: To identify the factors that impact the implementation of evidence-based physical activity, nutrition and/or chronic disease management programs in community senior centers in Illinois. Methods: The study involved three phases.  Phase I included interviews with Area Agency on Aging (AAA) directors (n=4) in four Illinois regions.  Phase II included surveys sent to all senior centers within the four regions (n=72).  Phase III involved in-depth structured interviews (n=24) with a subset of senior centers including those: 1) offering evidence-based nutrition or physical activity programs, 2) offering nutrition, or physical activity programs but not evidence-based, and 3) not offering these programs at all. Results: A variety of individual and organizational factors were discovered to influence the implementation of evidence-based nutrition or physical activity programs; such as knowledge, persuasion, decision and confirmation.  Discussion: Results of the study can be used to determine which factors can be influenced to effect better dissemination and implementation of policies and practices related to evidence-based programs and preventive care.