title: Examining the perceptions, preferences, and practices that influence healthy aging for African American older adults: an ecological perspective.
abstract: This study explored the healthy aging and health promotion perceptions, preferences, and practices of a purposive sample of African American older adults who resided in two communities in the south. An ecological framework was used to capture environmental factors, perceptions regarding access to health promotion resources, and health behavior preferences and practices. A mixed-method approach was used. Health supporting amenities were mapped, focus groups were conducted, and demographic information was obtained. The data were merged to create consolidated themes. The results indicated that health promotion amenities were available, but with some limitations. Convenient access to transportation strongly affected ability to use resources. Older adults were interested in preserving their health and independence, but some had difficulty staying motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They wanted easier access to amenities. Implications for best practice include attention to culturally responsive outreach, motivating with social support and incentives, and developing community-based culturally compatible programming.
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Waites
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D044383:Black People; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009657:North Carolina; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation; D001741:Black or African American
keywords: African American; health disparity; health promotion; healthy aging; older adults