Project Summary
Obesity rates have increased among older (age 60+) adults in the U.S., from 31% in 2008 to approximately 43%
in 2018. Older adults are a high-risk population because obesity is associated with increased morbidity, including
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), early mortality, and decreased physical functioning and
quality of life. Studies show that the primary driver of weight gain across the lifespan is behavioral: sedentary
behaviors coupled with excessive energy intake, resulting in energy imbalance. Health education has been
shown to improve dietary and physical activity behaviors for older adults, resulting in increased quality of life;
however, changes appear difficult for older adults to maintain. This project uses preliminary data from a pilot
project to: create a curriculum using asset-based, positive, hope-based healthy aging messaging; create rigorous
program evaluation measures; and improve the research environment at UAA by substantially involving
undergraduate students throughout the project. The research team will address these overall goals with the
following specific aims: 1) to create and deliver an innovative, positive healthy aging curriculum that includes
persuasive hope messages of resilience for an underserved population of Alaska Native and other minority older
adults; and 2) to examine the impact of this positive healthy aging program on short- and long-term health
outcomes, including an exploration of participant and environmental factors associated with program efficacy.
This work is significant because it will fill knowledge gaps regarding appropriate health behavior change
interventions for diverse older adult struggling with negative self-perceptions and health disparities, and to test
the short- and long-term impact of persuasive hope messaging in this population. The project will strengthen the
research environment at this primarily undergraduate-serving institution by creating an infrastructure to expand
the work of the UAA Healthy Aging Research Lab. This project will gather small groups of older adults to increase
hope and healthy behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in increased isolation and
depression among older adults. This project will allow two graduate students and 10 undergraduate research
assistants to contribute to the design of the program, collection and analysis of data, as well as presenting results
via co-authored journal articles and conference presentations. By developing and delivering a health education
program using asset-based, hopeful messages of resilience and healthy aging, this project will improve dietary
and exercise behaviors and energy balance. Impacts include identifying practices that foster positive perceptions
of aging and improving health and quality of life of a diverse, at-risk population.