The effects of an integrated health education and exercise program in community-dwelling older adults with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of HAHA (Healthy Aging and Happy Aging) program, which is an integrated health education and exercise program for community-dwelling older adults with hypertension. Methods: Older adults with hypertension from one senior center were randomly allocated to experimental (n = 18) or control group (n = 22). Experimental group received health education, individual counseling and tailored exercise program for 12 weeks. Results: The mean ages were 71 years (experimental group) and 69 (control group). After the intervention, systolic blood pressure of experimental group was significantly decreased than that of control group. Scores of exercise self-efficacy, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health in SF-36 were statistically higher than those of control group. Conclusion: The HAHA program was effective in control of systolic blood pressure and improving self-efficacy for exercise and health-related quality of life. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.