Advisor(s)

Nancy Borkowski

Committee Member(s)

Allyson Hall
Amy Landry
Monica Aswani

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

6-1-2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Science in Administration Health Services (DSc)

School

School of Health Professions

Department

Health Professions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Population aging presents significant public health challenges, particularly in preventing cognitive decline and maintaining functional independence among older adults. Today in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that about 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory issues. That number is expected to more than double by 2060. Community-based education programs can represent a scalable strategy to influence behavior modification that may be linked to successful cognitive aging. This dissertation evaluated the Aging Like A Pro (ALP) community education program that focused on key aspects of health: sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness, encouraging motivation to make changes in health behaviors among aging populations. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this mixed methods, non-experimental study examined whether participation in ALP influenced participants’ motivation to change, and self-reported behavior change. Quantitative questionnaires assessed perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Qualitative thematic analysis explored participant motivations, perceived independence, and readiness to adopt healthier behaviors. Quantitative findings demonstrated that self-reported behavior change was influenced by levels of interest, perceived knowledge gained, and post-lecture inspiration to change behavior. Demographic analyses indicated broad self-reported behavior change across all socio-economic groups, with some ethnic groups and non-retired participants being more motivated. Qualitative findings reinforced these outcomes and highlighted themes of fear of dependency, desire for autonomy, and proactive engagement in changing health behaviors specifically for sleep and nutrition. Study findings extend the successful aging framework advanced by Rowe and Kahn (1997) by demonstrating that brief, evidence-based community education interventions can positively shift health beliefs and behavioral intentions. This research supports participation in a community-based health education program as findings were associated with increased motivation and self-reported health behavior change among older adults. Within the framework of the Health Belief Model, personal relevance, perceived benefits, strengthened self-efficacy, and structured cues to action emerged as central mechanisms driving implementation.

Keywords

Aging;Fitness;Health Education;Mindfulness;Nutrtion;Sleep

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