Tougaloo College Active Life Program: Aging in Place

Background: Mississippi’s rural elderly have higher rates of overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, food insecurity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke compared to their urban counterparts.

Purpose: The purpose of the Active Life program is to increase knowledge and awareness about risk factors that may lead to cardiovascular disease, reduce sedentary behavior through physical activity, and provide access to primary care services for adults 50 and older living in Rankin, Madison and Hinds counties in Mississippi.

Methodology: The Active Life program is composed of 3 components: 1) Community Health Outreach, which focuses on health promotion, education and prevention such as diabetes and hypertension; 2) Physical Fitness: Participants receive free membership to the fitness center to engage in daily physical fitness activities such as sit/fit, toning, and line dance classes to build strength, and promote weight loss. 3) Screening:  Participants are given 4 quarterly medical screenings for early detection of heart disease and stroke.

 Evaluation: Attendance rosters, intake surveys, pre and post tests, lab results (glucose levels, blood pressure levels, body mass index, cholesterol levels), and satisfaction surveys.

 Results: Results will be reported pending analysis upon program completion in May 2015.

 Public Health Implications: Significant lifestyle changes influenced by increased physical activity, better diet and increased knowledge about risk factors for chronic diseases will result in better health outcomes among adults 50 and older.