Recorded presentation

Julie A. Walwick, MSW¹, Sheryl Schwartz, MPA¹, Basia Belza, PhD, RN², Sharyne Shiu-Thornton, PhD³, Mary Taylor, BSN, RN², and James P. LoGerfo, MD, MPH¹. (1) Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Box 354804, Seattle, WA 98195, (206) 616-3146, walwick@u.washington.edu, (2) Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Box 357266, Seattle, WA 981985, (3) Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357660, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195

Increased physical activity is one strategy for preventing and managing chronic diseases among older adults. Many ethnic minority groups in the United States have a high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease and have a higher rate of mortality than whites. These groups are also less likely to engage in physical activity. Furthermore, immigrants face challenges of acculturation including limited English proficiency. Based on the findings of a multicultural focus group study, this paper focuses on physical activity promotion to meet the social and health needs of immigrant or ethnic minority older adults, highlighting the importance of ethnicity and culture in program planning. Seven focus groups were conducted in the first language of the participants from the following cultural groups: American Indian/Alaska Native, African American, Filipino, Chinese, Latino, Korean, and Vietnamese. Participants expressed a desire to combine physical activity with social support programs and a preference to participate in activities with others who share their cultural background. Findings from this study suggest strategies for culture and language-specific programming of community based physical activity programs.

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