A Congregation-Based Program of Holistic Health: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Physical Activity Component Holly Pope, Robert E. McKeown RESULTS: RESULTS CONTINUED: BACKGROUND: The Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength program emphasizes spiritual, mental, physical, and social health for adults 50 years of age and older. African American and Caucasian United Methodist churches participated together in small groups to promote overall health and embrace racial diversity, which contributes to a more caring community. Each meeting began with a guided meditation accompanied by deep breathing and stretching to reinforce the holistic focus of the program including spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental dimensions. It also provided a natural transition for the physical and mental activities that followed. The physical activity component combined education, motivation, and brief exercise routines, after which the group engaged in mental exercises. The second half of each session was devoted to a curriculum for spiritual growth. Additional activities included a community outreach effort. Qualitative analysis identified 4 primary themes from the data. Overall, the effectiveness of the physical activity component varied across and within groups. The physical activity component was implemented to varying degrees across groups. Supporting Comments: “I would not say our exercise portion of the program went away really, but our group was already very active.” “They strictly follow the [exercise] video.” 2) Participants reported enjoying the exercises and recognized the benefits of exercise. “I realized how important the exercises are for older adults, as I noted how they enabled us to discover more things we are able to do for ourselves.” “Group members are active and enjoy the exercises.” “She even has my mother who is eighty-five up and doing exercises.” 4) Strategies to address potential barriers to physical activities were identified Supporting Comments: “There are some space issues [at the church] that limit the type of physical exercises.” “The group is not anxious to do the physical exercises, and 4 can’t do the exercises…can we come up with modified exercises for the group?” CONCLUSION: The physical activity component of the HSMS program may be an effective approach to increasing physical activity among community dwelling older adults. However, more additional qualitative methods, such as focus groups with African American and Caucasian older adults, may be necessary to determine if there are cultural differences associated with attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of types of physical activity. 3) Some participants had an aversion to exercise, did not feel able to perform exercises, and felt they had little control of their weight. Supporting Comments: “Sometimes the elder members do not want to participate [in the exercises].” “A few members can’t do the exercises and intentionally come late, so they miss the exercises.” “The group is not anxious to do the physical exercises due to the attitude that weight is a result of genetics. Many members feel that they have little control over their weight, though [the leader] has been explaining that weight is also due to lifestyle choices.” “6 of the 9 members are overweight and out of shape. They use age as an excuse.” METHODS: Every quarter (2004-2006) the program’s steering committee met with the participant leaders to listen to the leaders’ experiences in the program. Each leader provided accounts of their experiences regarding the program’s physical activity component. Comments were recorded and qualitative analysis identified emergent themes. This program was funded by the Caring Communities Program of the Duke Endowment.