Physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults: a review.

Dancing is a mode of physical activity that may allow older adults to improve their physical function, health, and well-being. However, no reviews on the physical benefits of dancing for healthy older adults have been published in the scientific literature. Using relevant databases and keywords, 15 training and 3 cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed.

Multilevel perspectives on diffusing a physical activity promotion program to reach diverse older adults.

Diffusing research-based physical activity programs in underserved communities could improve the health of ethnically diverse populations. We utilized a multilevel, community-based approach to determine attitudes, resources, needs, and barriers to physical activity and the potential diffusion of a physical activity promotion program to reach minority and lower-income older adults. Formative research using focus groups and individual interviews elicited feedback from multiple community sectors: community members, task force and coalition members, administrators, service implementers, health care providers, and physical activity instructors.

Diffusing a research-based physical activity promotion program for seniors into diverse communities: CHAMPS III.

Introduction: Increasing the physical activity levels of older adults through diffusion of successful research-based programs into community settings is challenging because of differences between research and real-world settings. This project diffused the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) II, an individual-level research-based physical activity promotion program, through three community organizations to reach lower-income and minority (primarily Hispanic or Latino and African American) seniors.

Methods: Through an academic-community partnership, university staff worked with each organization to adapt the program to be appealing and effective, enable their staff and volunteers to provide the program, increase participants' physical activity, and leave sustainable programs in place.

The California active aging community grant program: translating science into practice to promote physical activity in older adults.

Background: Attempts to study the translation of evidence-based physical activity interventions in community settings are scarce.

Purpose: This project was an investigation of whether 13 diverse local lead agencies could effectively implement a choice-based, telephone-assisted physical activity promotion program for older adults based on intervention models proven efficacious in research settings.

Methods: At baseline, participants developed their own physical activity programs through an individualized planning session based on preference, health status, readiness to change, and available community resources.