Evidence-based programs offer a variety of opportunities to promote older adults' physical and mental health. They can improve quality of life, pain levels, independence, and confidence, while also benefiting communities and health systems.

However, many Hispanic and Latino older adults miss out on these evidence-based programs that can help them manage chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Despite recent improvements in participation among Hispanic and Latino older adults, program participation is still low.

This gap in participation spurred the National Council on Aging to develop a toolkit to help community-based organizations and aging services professionals better reach Hispanic and Latino older adults and implement programs that are both culturally competent and sustainable.

The toolkit provides:

• Background information on culture, diversity, and the challenges faced by Hispanic and Latino communities when seeking health care 
• Starting points to consider when developing and implementing programs
• Four pillars of successful program implementation and sustainability, including:
  • Building community relationships
  • Participant engagement
  • Adaptation and effective delivery of evidence-based programs
  • Workforce and capacity training

We want to hear your experience and stay connected!

You are an integral part of the important work in advancing culturally competent health initiatives in Hispanic and Latino communities. Please use this form to share stories, successful strategies, and templates with others doing this work. All resources will be added here. If you would like to stay connected to NCOA's National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Resource Center for updates, please share your email address through the form.

Read and download the full toolkit in English and in Spanish.