Chronic Diseases in Older Adults

Many effective interventions or programs are never put into practice. This quasi-experimental study will partner with AME churches in two areas of South Carolina to study how an evidence-based program is put into place by the church. The program, Walk Your Heart to Health, will include training in how churches can modify their practices to support physical activity and healthy eating. Over the five-year study, the investgiators will examine factors that predict the success of putting the program into place, things that help and get in the way of putting the program into place, and how the program can be scaled up to reach even more churches. The investigators will also examine the effect of the program (pre- to post-changes) on walking group member outcomes (physical activity and social cohesion). The investigators expect to work with approximately 26 AME churches for this study.

This study aims to assess the health, nutrition, functional status, and quality of life of older adults living in Al-Boura village in Assiut, Egypt. It is an observational, community-based study that includes adults aged 60 years and above. Participants will complete interviews covering medical history, lifestyle behaviors, functional ability, mental health, nutrition, and quality of life. Physical measurements such as weight, height, blood pressure, and simple clinical assessments will also be performed. The goal of the study is to describe the current health needs of the elderly population and identify risk factors for chronic diseases, malnutrition, and functional decline. The results will help guide local health services and future elderly-care programs in Upper Egypt. No treatments or interventions will be given as part of this study.