Peer Empowerment Program 4 Physical Activity (PEP4PA)
Program Overview:
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has designed a peer led program aimed at increasing physical activity among older adults. In a 2 year research study, this program will be compared to the usual programming offered at centers serving older adults.
- 408 older adults (50+ years old) will be enrolled in the study
- 12+ centers serving older adults will participate
- Half of the sites will be randomized to the physical activity intervention & half will serve as a comparison group receiving 5 health related events
- Site enrollment began in July 2015 and will continue until January 2019; 2 sites will be enrolled every 6 months over this time period
- Measurement activities will be conducted at the beginning of the study, and again at 6, 12, 18 & 24 months
Participation:
Approximately 35 adults, aged 50 and older, who are not at risk for falling (assessed by UCSD staff) can enroll in the program at each site.
- Participants will receive monetary compensation for their time when they complete study measurement activities
- Participation will contribute to advancing the science on Healthy Aging
At Sites Randomized to the Intervention
Participants will take part in peer led activities:
- Two weekly group walks combined with a health tip or group discussion
- Individual health coaching
- A community project aimed at increasing opportunities for physical activity in or around the center
- Monthly celebrations
Peer Health Coaches will receive:
- 16 hours of training
- PEP4PA health coach certification
- Honorarium
Sites Randomized to the Control/Comparison Group:
Participants will take part in:
- 5 on site health related events focused on improving the health of older adults
Who we are: This program is offered through the University of California, San Diego
(UCSD), Department of Family Medicine & Public Health. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.