Abstracts December, 2014
December 2014, Vol. 19, No. 3
ISSN 1540 5273
Results of a Community-based Strength Training Program for Women
Laura L. Sant, Marnie Spencer, Carol Hampton, Marsha Lockard, Joey Peutz, Martha Raidl, John Plumb, University of Idaho
Abstract
Only 24 percent of American adults meet strength training recommendations. Furthermore, fewer women than men strength train, and rates decline as they age. Data collected on a six-week (12-class) strength training program, Strong Women Stay Young TM (SWSY TM), showed participants increased arm and leg strength. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in arm and leg strength of women who completed up to 55 strength training classes. At every class, participants recorded the free weights used for three arm exercises and three leg exercises. Participants who initially lifted Low (<10 pounds) and Medium (10-20 pounds) weights increased arm strength by 54 percent and 21 percent, respectively, and leg strength by 143 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Those who initially lifted High weights (20-30 pounds) decreased arm strength by 4 percent but increased leg strength by 28 percent. This program was effective for individuals with varying levels of arm and leg strength.. Full Text
Reverse Mortgages and Downsizing: Education for Retirement Success
Jean M. Lown, Cindy R. Stokes, Utah State University
Abstract
Downsizing, in combination with a reverse mortgage, can be a partial solution to the widespread problem of insufficient retirement assets. Extension educators should help prepare seniors to make prudent decisions about using home equity. The recently revised U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reverse mortgage program is described to illustrate the need for updated information to supplement the required counseling. Suggestions for applied research on consumers of reverse mortgages are offered. Full Text
Effective Case Studies: Making a Smart Choice Health Insurance© Decision
Mia Russell, Lynn Little, University of Maryland Extension, Maria Pippidis, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Abstract
The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) created an opportunity for more than 31 million consumers to obtain health insurance but many people are challenged with making optimal decisions based on their personal health and financial situations. Smart Choice Health Insurance© is an integrated health and financial literacy curriculum designed to help consumers gain knowledge, develop skills, and offer guidance through the process of selecting health insurance. The curriculum includes a case study that provides consumers the opportunity to practice making health insurance selections. Consumers, through active engagement and small group discussion, consider their families’ needs and wants, a spending plan, insurance plan costs, and available coverage to gain a deeper understanding and build confidence. Full Text
Implementation and Evaluation of Walking Groups with Older Women in Rural Communities: A Pilot Project
Elaine Bowen, Nancy O’Hara Tompkins, Judy Matlick, Rebecca Mowbray Smith, West Virginia University, Shannon Holland, West Virginia Arthritis Foundation
Abstract:
Low-income, older rural women are least likely to meet physical activity recommendations and are at increased chronic disease risk. Women involved in an established community organization provided leadership for a social support–based walking group. Leaders received an information kit for a six-week walking challenge and recruited individuals. Leaders and individuals met on average 4.7 times to support the program. Weekly step logs, as well as surveys of individuals and group leaders, were analyzed with these results: (1) significant walking increases over six weeks; (2) 86.7 percent of individuals intended to continue walking; and (3) 66.7 percent of leaders were between ages 50 and 69, with 24 percent between ages 70 and 89. Based on this experience, other physical activity promotions may have similar success by partnering with existing civic organizations and developing a volunteer leader network with older women. Full Text
Coaching Components in Individual Development Accounts: Insights and Lessons Applicable to Financial Programs
Lucy M. Delgadillo, Travis G. Parry, Utah State University
Abstract
The article identifies and describes eight coaching components used in an Individual Development Account program. These principles can be transferred to any financial program implemented by Extension educators and family finance practitioners. Full Text
Back to table of contents ->https://www.theforumjournal.org/2017/08/30/fall-2014-vol-19-no-2/