The HealthEASE Health Education program provides curriculum for six priority health promotion/disease prevention topics for adults older than 50:
Each module is designed to be delivered by a health professional in a one-hour session at a local community site. The modules are free-standing and can be delivered weekly or individually over time. The comprehensive modules include content material, hands-on activities, resource lists, and evaluation tools. Each module focuses on healthy behaviors and the actions that participants can take to improve or maintain their health. Participants are encouraged to commit to one of the action strategies presented.
Strengths
The program is “turnkey” in that it contains all of the information/resources/handouts needed to implement a community-based health education program for older adults. The curriculum contains the most current information available, as compiled by content experts at the Geriatric Education Center at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Each module can be implemented individually or as part of a series. The one-hour sessions make the modules ideal for implementation at a wide range of community sites: libraries, senior clubs, senior centers, nutrition sites, senior housing, etc. Program participants leave each session with clear strategies for behavior change to improve their health and well-being.
Lessons Learned
The HealthEASE Health Education program is ideal for agencies to partner to implement. For example, the Community Medical Center in Toms River is one organization that partners to use HealthEASE.
The curriculum is designed to be delivered by local health care professionals. Many such professionals are employed by agencies that are committed to community health, but do not have the resources to develop curriculum, nor do they have ready access to a client base. Utilizing the HealthEASE Health Education curriculum, a partnership between community-based senior organization (such as a senior club or senior center) and a local health provider (such as a health department or hospital senior membership program) can implement the program without either one having to bear additional costs.
HealthEASE Move Today
HealthEASE Move Today is a 30-45 minute non-aerobic exercise class designed to meet the needs of older adults and to improve their flexibility, balance and stamina. A brief education component focusing on an exercise related topic is included. Classes are led by trained peer leaders and meet weekly or bi-weekly for twelve-sessions. Participants assess their health, physical well-being and intent for behavior change before and upon completion of the program.
The program is held at churches, senior centers, senior housing, local health departments, YMCAs, and assisted living facilities. The program meets once or twice a week and participants are encouraged to do posture exercises daily. Physician release and personal waiver forms are required to begin the program. Participant manuals are provided during regional training sessions across the state in both hard copy and on CD-Rom, which can then be duplicated for peer leaders and participants. The program also uses resistance bands, which are available from fitness equipment providers – the cost is approximately $50 for a 50-yard spool of bands.
The exercise portion of the program lasts for approximately 50 minutes, with 5-10 minutes of education time at each session.
The NJDHSS developed the HealthEASE Move Today and piloted it in Bergen and Ocean counties over a two-year period. In 2006, four regional 2-day train-the-trainer sessions were held with fitness and aging professionals to develop a cadre of Move Today Trainers statewide. Trainers are recruited via the aging and or health networks. Future Peer Leaders are recruited by trainers/sites at the local level.
Peer Leaders need oversight, monitoring, and technical assistance to ensure the program is delivered ‘by the book’. A recently implemented ‘train-the-trainer’ program provided nearly 100 trained professionals who have been formally trained in the exercise or health care field, or have experience working with the elderly, disabled or other special populations, or are experienced in leading group exercise programs, or are Lead Coordinators for Project Healthy Bones. These professionals, located in senior housing, senior centers, nutrition sites, local public health departments, county offices on aging, assisted living facilities, and hospital community outreach programs statewide, will train and monitor peer leaders for the program statewide.
Results
Each program module includes one-page surveys for participants to complete before and after the presentation. The surveys assess the individual’s reason for attending the session, knowledge of the topic, and intent to change behavior.
Strengths
The exercises and guidelines are based on current nationally recognized standards and science. The medical/safety guidelines utilized in Move Today programs were developed by Tufts University. Efficacy of individual exercises themselves is documented in the literature covering such issues as arthritis, osteoporosis, and fall prevention.
Innovative Ideas
Lessons Learned
Community-based physical activity programs have the added benefit of providing older adults with a social support network. Participants support one another not only in class, but outside of class as well.
Though the program is designed to be 12 sessions, most groups continue to meet following the 12 classes. This creates a continual demand for new leaders.
Implementation guide
Promote the program and register participants
Measure Your Success
Contact information
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Aging and Community Services
609-943-3498
