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The purpose of this research program is to develop and test interventions to promote long-term continuation of Physical Activity in sedentary, older (age> 55) Mexican-American women based on the Long Term Physical Activity Continuation Model. Concepts addressed include Exercise Self Efficacy, Benefits and Barriers, exercise continuation and delay of physical frailty.
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Physical activity (PA) is known to benefit people of all ages. However, 70% of the elderly (>age 65) engage in no physical activity; and most who do begin PA, stop again within 3-6 months. Of special concern are members of ethnic minority groups, because statistics show that these elders are even more inactive than the general population. Finally, women of all ethnic groups are more inactive than men, making minority women the least physically active group in the U.S. The consequences of this inactivity are premature decline in physiological functioning, early onset of disease, and premature dependency. These declines are called physical frailty in the elderly.
Few studies focus on older Mexican-American women, a highly vulnerable group, and little research to date has addressed specific strategies to promote long-term exercise. Increasing physical activity is a Healthy People 2010 priority and much work needs to be done in this area.
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The sixth study in this program has just been completed. Currently we are developing a video tape and conducting focus groups in preparation for submission of the next grant. If this area is of interest to you, I would “love” to chat with you about it.
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