Development and evaluation of a community-based approach to promote health-related behaviour among older adults in a socioeconomically disadvantaged community

The region Eastern Groningen is characterised by an ageing population, many people with low socioeconomic status (SES), and a relatively high prevalence of health problems compared to other regions in the Netherlands. We developed and evaluated a community-based intervention aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy eating among older adults in this region. The intervention included a local media campaign and environmental approaches, and was implemented during a 3-month high-intensity period, followed by a 6-month of low-intensity one. Besides, a home healthcare intervention was developed in which home healthcare professionals provided information and support. The intervention was developed and implemented in co-creation with the target population and health professionals that promoted the campaign, within the Academic Collaborative Centre for Home Healthcare Eastern Groningen. The study demonstrated that the community-based intervention reached a relatively large proportion of the participants, but had only small short- and medium-term effects on the level of physical activity in older adults. The intervention worked best for those for whom the intervention was designed for, i.e., older adults who are less active and have an unhealthier diet. Combining a home healthcare intervention and a community-based intervention was more effective than a single home healthcare intervention on total and transport-related physical activity directly after the intervention. However, these results disappeared after 6 months. The community-based intervention is a promising approach in reaching the target group and having impact on their health and quality of life. This can contribute to a reduction in socioeconomic health differences. Embedding in an academic collaborative centre with active collaboration with all relevant local stakeholders can contribute to reach sustainable effects