ADAPTING A GREEN ACTIVITY PROGRAM WITH OLDER BLACK PEOPLE LIVING WITH MEMORY CHALLENGES

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Ezra

Innovation in Aging 2025 (Vol. 9, No. S2) presents a culturally adapted green activity program for older Black adults living with memory challenges (mild cognitive impairment and dementia) and their study partners. Using the Cultural Adaptation Process model and a Framework for Modification and Adaptations, the work details a modified five-step co-design with six 90-minute sessions across four participant teams. Analysis of recorded sessions identifies needs, barriers, and solutions across participants’ noise, weather, pain, health, transportation, and financial constraints, translating them into content and contextual delivery modifications for program piloting and broader intervention adaptation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Purpose and framework

Co-design process and participants

Identified challenges

Solutions and adaptations

Delivery context and referral pathways

Implications for future piloting

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 355 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1201 ADAPTING A GREEN ACTIVITY PROGRAM WITH OLDER BLACK PEOPLE LIVING WITH MEMORY CHALLENGES Christopher Carey1, Lola Sample2, Laura Gitlin3, Jaroslaw Harezlak4, Richard Holden4, NiCole Keith2, Kathleen Unroe5, and Rebecca Lassell4, 1. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, 2. Indiana University School of Public Health Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States, 3. Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 4. Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States, 5. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Few physical activity programs are designed with Black older adults living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia (memory challenges) to address their needs. Applying the Cultural Adaptation Process model and the Framework for Modification and Adaptations, we sought to adapt a nature or ‘Green’Activity Program for Black people living with memory challenges (PLMC) and study partners. Participants were recruited from Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. A modified 5-step co-design process occurred with six 90-minute sessions with four teams separately (n = 21 total, n = 5-6 each) . Participants were Black PLMC (n = 5), Black study partners (n = 6), outdoor professionals (n = 5), and healthcare providers (n = 5). Recorded design sessions were analyzed. Challenges for PLMC included: 1) noise (construction, traffic), 2) weather 3) aches and pain; Study partners: 1) health challenges/behaviors, 2) transportation/accessibility; 3) finances. Solutions identified by PLMC were 1) wearing headphones, 2) weather appropriate clothing, 3) activity modifications; Study partners: 1) accessibility/motivation, 2) transportation services and convenience, and 3) free/lower cost activities. Surface cultural adaptions (language) included preferred terms of‘memory challenges’ for dementia and ‘Black.’ Deep cultural adaptations (values/beliefs) included adding family, awareness/exposure to nature activities.‘Content’ adaptations included preferred nature activities of water Zumba, fishing, and camping.‘Contextual’ modifications for program delivery were a ‘green activity pill box’ to schedule weekly activities as a visual reminder, a buddy system, and monetary incentives for motivation. Referral pathways included direct referrals in electronic health records, or in-person from healthcare providers. Findings can guide piloting the program and cultural adaptation of other interventions.

FAQs

What problem does the study address about physical activity programs for older Black adults?

The study addresses the lack of physical activity programs specifically designed for older Black adults living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia (memory challenges) and for their study partners.

How was the green activity program adapted in the co-design phase?

A modified five-step co-design process used six 90-minute sessions with four teams, analyzing recorded design sessions to translate participant needs into cultural, content, and contextual adaptations.

What types of challenges and corresponding solutions were identified?

Challenges included noise, weather, aches and pain for participants, and health behaviors, transportation/accessibility, and finances for study partners. Solutions included headphones, weather-appropriate clothing, activity modifications, accessibility/motivation support, transportation services, and free or lower-cost activities.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Ezra