EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS

Written by Wendy Bellacomo

What are Evidence-Based Programs?

Evidence-based programs are initiatives or interventions that are developed and implemented based on rigorous scientific evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. These programs are designed to address specific issues or challenges, and their development typically involves systematic research, evaluation, and testing to ensure they produce positive outcomes. The term “evidence-based” emphasizes the reliance on empirical evidence, such as research findings and data, to support the effectiveness of the program. Examples of evidence-based programs can be found in various fields, including healthcare, education, social services, and public health. Here at the Sowega Council on Aging (SCOA), we offer evidence-based programs that enrich the lives of older adults through activities and services that improve their health and wellness, decrease loneliness and isolation, and provide social, economic, and educational opportunities to enhance their quality of life.

Key Characteristics of Evidence-Based Programs

• Research Foundation: Evidence-based programs are developed based on a solid foundation of scientific research and theoretical frameworks. Researchers and practitioners conduct literature reviews, analyze existing data, and may conduct their own studies to inform the design and development of the program.

• Evaluation and Testing: Before being widely implemented, evidence-based programs undergo rigorous evaluation and testing to assess their effectiveness. This often involves randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, or other research methods to measure the program’s impact on targeted outcomes.

• Demonstrated Effectiveness: Evidencebased programs have demonstrated positive and statistically significant results in improving outcomes related to the specific issue they address. These outcomes may include changes in behavior, attitudes, knowledge, skills, health indicators, or other relevant measures.

• Adaptability: Evidence-based programs are designed to be adaptable to different populations, settings, and contexts while maintaining fidelity to core components. This flexibility allows practitioners to tailor the program to the unique needs and characteristics of the target audience or community.

• Continuous Improvement: Successful evidence-based programs undergo ongoing evaluation and quality improvement efforts to ensure they remain effective and relevant over time. This may involve collecting feedback from participants, monitoring program implementation, making adjustments based on evaluation findings, and incorporating new research and best practices.

SCOA Evidence-Based Programs

Chronic

Disease Self-Management Workshop (CDSMP)

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is an evidence-based program developed by Stanford University for individuals experiencing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. Family members, friends and caregivers may also participate in the program. The program provides information and teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems. In these classes, individuals learn coping strategies such as action planning and feedback, problem-solving techniques, and decision making, applicable to all chronic diseases. The CDSMP program gives people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. This six-week workshop meets once a week for six weeks.

Diabetes Self-Management Workshop (DSM)

The Diabetes Self-Management Workshop was developed by Stanford University to help individuals manage their diabetes symptoms, tiredness, pain, and emotional issues. The interactive workshop meets for 2.5 hours each week and is taught by two trained instructors, at least one of whom has diabetes. Concepts include how to manage diabetes symptoms, information on physical activity, healthy eating practices, following medication plans, and how to work effectively with healthcare professionals. This is a six-week group workshop for individuals living with type 2 diabetes.

Aging Mastery Program Workshops (AMP)

This workshop is comprised of 60–90-minute classes over a 10-week period focusing on ten topics with various speakers. Topics include:

• The Basics of Aging Mastery

• Exercise and You

• Sleep

• Healthy Eating and Hydration

• Financial Fitness

• Advance Planning

• Healthy Relationships

• Medication Management

• Fall Prevention

• Community Engagement

Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (Offered both In-Person & Virtually)

A certified instructor leads this program to build skills and experience Tai Chi and its benefits. This program was developed for the Arthritis Foundation by Dr. Paul Lam. Tai Chi for Health and Balance uses gentle movements that are easy to learn, safe, and suitable for all levels of fitness. Tai Chi mixes agile steps, mental strength, and joint-safe physical activity to improve participant’s mobility, breathing, and relaxation. All these benefits combine to help participants feel greater control over their daily functions and improve their quality of life. Specific benefits include:

• Enhanced balance, leg strength, mobility, and flexibility

• Lessened fear of falling

• Improved psychological health

These programs align with SCOA’s mission to support older adults and their caregivers. Each program is evidence-based, meaning that it has undergone rigorous evaluation to demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving positive outcomes for seniors. These evidence-based programs contribute to the overall goal of promoting healthy aging and enhancing the quality of life for older individuals in the community. For more information on our current evidence-based program offerings, please see the calendar section of this magazine or visit our website at sowegacoa.org/events/.

Senior Centers exist to enrich the lives of senior citizens through programs and services that improve their health and wellness, decrease loneliness and isolation, and provide social, economic, and education opportunities to enhance their quality of life. Nutritious meals are served to people age 60+. Participants enjoy activities, exercise, special events, and engaging programs.

Senior Centers are reinventing themselves to meet the needs and desires of the aging baby boomer generation. In response to this upcoming active generation of seniors, our senior center programs have been operating under a new model – the Senior Center Without Walls. The program offers the same components as a physical senior center but utilizes partnerships within a community to deliver services to seniors outside of a brick-and-mortar building.

Partnering with county-local restaurants and activity providers, Sowega Council on Aging funds meals and activities for seniors within our 14-county service area Monday through Friday.

This program has been so popular that we are at capacity for congregate meals with over 1,000 clients in the program and over 800 on the waitlist. For activities, please contact the providers listed on this page directly.

1,000 on the waitlist. For activities,

This is a six-week group workshop for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. The workshop was developed by Stanford University to help individuals manage their diabetes symptoms, tiredness, pain, and emotional issues. The interactive workshop meets for 2.5 hours each week and is taught by two trained instructors, at least one of whom has diabetes. Concepts include: how to manage diabetes symptoms, information on physical activity, healthy eating practices, following medication plans, and how to work effectively with healthcare professionals.