Methods: The Wellness Education and Health Promotion Program for a sample of elderly in the Bronx was based on evidence-based practice, social networks, and the group process in an eight week series of education on diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  The information was disseminated using educational programs, exercise sessions, media, and weekly question and answer sessions. To evaluate the impact of the educational series on participants pre and post physiological data include body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, weight, blood pressure, and glucose levels were analyzed for differences.

Results: Thirty senior citizens participated in the RN Intern Wellness Education and Health Promotion Program between the ages of 56-88 with a mean age of 72. There was statistically significant improvement in the post body mass index (p=.025), waist circumference (p=.042), glucose self-reports (p=.052), and weight p=.053) in a two tailed paired t-test analysis.

Conclusion: Underserved minority disadvantaged senior citizen participation in a RN Intern Wellness Education and Health Promotion Program significantly improved their   health indicators that are used to predict cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This pilot program will be repeated as it appears to be cost effective with a high level of benefit.

See more of Quality of Life: International Perspectives on Aging
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)