HEALTHY EATING HEALTHY AGING: COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR OLDER ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, E; Ko, L; Feng, A; Bishop, S
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 458
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: In the United States, Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the fastest growing segments of the older adult population. According to the Center for Disease Control (2010), heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of deaths for the AAPI population. A well-balanced nutrition and low salt diet can reduce the risk of heart disease; however, it is difficult to find a nutrition education program tailored for AAPI cultural traditions and provided in-language. Healthy Eating Healthy Aging (HEHA) was developed for AAPIs ages 55 and older using train-the-trainer model and tested its impact on fruit and vegetable consumption and salt intake monitoring. The HEHA was translated into 7 different AAPI languages and delivered through 19 community-based organizations (CBOs) in 9 states. The training focused on three components: Nutrition education, nutrition label reading and heart health. Using a pre- and post-test design, CBOs reached a combined 906 participants. Participants' mean age was 71.91 years (+9.5); many were female (69%), and reported not speaking English well (78%). Participants reported high blood pressure (46%), diabetes (28%), arthritis (32%), and heart disease (16%). Participants reported eating more servings of fruits (5.74 to 5.92) and vegetables (5.77 to 6.0) for the past 7 days, increasing their salt intake monitoring (6.45 to 7.12) and increase in nutrition label readings from 47% to 63% after intervention. HEHA, culturally and linguistically adapted for AAPIs, can impact nutrition among older AAPIs. The train-the-trainer model with CBOs can serve as a potential tool to disseminate the HEHA nationally.