Seniors Serving Seniors: Volunteers Promoting Healthy Aging Project. Feasibility Study Report.

N

50

Ministry of Health, Ottawa (Ontario).

Adult Education; Aging (Individuals); Foreign Countries; Health Education; Health Facilities; Health Promotion; Middle Aged Adults; Older Adults; Peer Relationship; Peer Teaching; Tutoring; Volunteer Training; Volunteers

A research study assessed whether health-related agencies and organizations in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, were willing to use trained older adults as volunteer health promoters, mentors, and tutors working with other seniors, despite the fact that no other programs in the Regina Health District specifically used older adults in these roles. A questionnaire survey was developed and used for personal interviews with representatives from 59 Regina Health District agencies and organizations; 53 interviews were entered into the "Statistical Program for the Social Sciences" as data and results were analyzed. Results were as follows: 91 percent of interviewees were interested in using the services of trained volunteer health promoters; 71 percent wanted facilitation with other seniors on how to stay healthy while aging; 67 percent wanted to have trained volunteers to help with other older adults learn about and cope with specific diseases; 64 percent wanted to use the services of trained peer counselors; 64 percent wanted to have trained volunteers lead exercise groups; and 69 percent wanted participants to have a course certificate. Respondents expressed interest in participating in program design, teaching a session, or being resource people. Phase 2 was planned to develop, implement, and evaluate 2 semesters of course work. (Appendixes contain a list of participants, instrument and results, and 18 references.) (YLB)

1997

ED402449