Health‐peers: A Delivery Model for Health Promotion Among the Elderly

A health promotion delivery system using a peer leadership and social networking model was pilot tested in an elderly population. Participants were recruited from a volunteer organization and from a health promotion project. Lessons on fiber intake, dietary change, and peer leadership were presented in a small group setting. Those who qualified as peer leaders recruited a second generation of participants and taught them in the same manner. The pilot study determined that this model was feasible, showing an average increase in specific nutrition knowledge of 52.3%, and that peer leaders could be recruited and trained effectively. Recommendations for recruitment and training of peer leaders and for design of program content are discussed.