This project of “Health promotion for rural community seniors led
by nurses” was supported by the Bureau of Health, Chiayi County. The
aging population in this area is 15.6–21%, the highest in the nation
(MOI, 2012). A prospective quasi-experimental design was carried out
from March 1 to October 31, 2011. All participants were recruited and
invited by district public health nurses (PHNs) from 6 rural villages, 4
near the western coastal side and 2 closer inland towards Central
Taiwan. The selection criteria were: (1) N65 years, (2) ability to
communicate in Taiwanese and Mandarin, and (3) willingness to
participate in the study. Exclusion criteria were: (1) serious health
status and mental problems, e.g. unstable cardiovascular disease,
glycemic control, Parkinson's disease and dementia, (2) inability to
express themselves precisely, and (3) inability to walk to the
community activity center. Each participant's health status was
subjectively screened and assessed by the PHNs.