Learning Objective #1: understand the need for and the importance of educational programs for older women.

Learning Objective #2: discuss the advantages of participatory educational programs.

---

In an effort to 1) reduce coronary artery disease death, 2) reduce dietary fat intake, 3) implement a community based program that would have a positive effect on older females, this research project was initiated. The purpose of this study is to discover whether a planned educational and participatory program on informed dietary choices and exercise (PEPP:DE) would 1) improve the quality of life, 2) promote a healthier lifestyle, and 3) maintain/improve independent living in older women. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design. The sample consists of 90 women age 55 years and older who have been identified as having elevated total cholesterol lab values. The subjects came from a community based agency providing services to seniors. A pre/post test included data on life satisfaction, health perception, activities of daily living, height, weight, lipid profile serum glucose blood pressure, and self-reported cardiovascular disease events and/or hospitalizations. The preliminary statistical analysis reveals significant findings with regard to PEPP:DE on the above mentioned dependent variables , as well as age-related differences. The preliminary summary will emphasize 1) the implications for community based active participatory educational programs, and 2) recommendations for redesigning existing dietary and exercise educational programs in order to meet the needs of older women.