GENERAL INFORMATION
What is ?Caminemos???Caminemos? is a bilingual (Spanish) physical activity program for Latinos/Hispanics age 60 years or older who live in the greater Los Angeles area.
What does Caminemos mean?
?Caminemos? in Spanish means, ?Let us walk?
What will Caminemos members do?
o All members attend a fitness class (strength training, stretching and endurance exercises) led by a certified Lifetime Fitness Program? instructor. The Lifetime Fitness Program has been named one of the 10 best fitness programs for seniors in the United States. It is even safe for frail older adults.
o All members attend a health education class (1 of 2 different types, randomly assigned).
o The program lasts for 2 years. Meetings are weekly for the first month, monthly for rest of the first year, and every 2 months for the last year.
o Caminemos staff will give a pedometer (a small lightweight object that attaches easily to your clothing and counts your steps) to all members and teach how to use it. All members will be asked to wear the pedometer for a full week at 5 different times during the program (at the beginning, after 1 month, and after 6, 12, and 24 months).
o All members will be asked to complete a series of in-person private interviews that will be given in one-on-one meetings with our bilingual staff (total of 5 interviews).
o All members will be given brief physical exams (blood pressure, weight, height, gait) at 5 times during the 2-year program. These exams will be private and will not require anyone to take off their clothing.
What is the Cost?
All Free! We do not charge anyone for participating. This program is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging.
What are the Benefits?
? Help to develop programs for older Latinos/Hispanics
? FUN! 100% of participants who have completed a similar program say the program was enjoyable.
? Receive small cash reward for participating
? Receive a pedometer that is yours to keep
? Receive a set of weights you can keep
Who can join the program?
B Latinos/Hispanics
B Age 60 years or more
B Able to walk without the assistance of another person (canes or walkers are welcome)
B Currently not doing a lot of exercise (our staff will help you figure out if you qualify)
Why only Latinos?
Though being physically active is important for all older persons, levels of physical activity are particularly low in older Hispanics/Latinos. This project focuses specifically on Hispanics/Latinos because of the special benefit of physical activity.
what to do to join?
Please call UCLA?s Division of Geriatrics at (310) 498-7442 Monday thru Friday to talk to Carlos Rodriguez and ask when is the next information meeting near your home.
