Exercise and dietary behaviors in African American elders: stages of change in efficacy expectancies.

The purpose of this pilot study was to measure and describe stages of change and efficacy expectancies of African American elders in regard to exercise and dietary behaviors. Elders who had hypertension (N = 37) were recruited from a senior center and a public housing building for the elderly. These elders were found to be in the action and maintenance stages of change. They believed that they were able to perform healthy exercise and dietary behaviors and that these behaviors were effective in relation to their hypertension. Implications of the finding are discussed in regard to exercise and dietary behaviors and health promotion programs for this high-risk population.