This intervention is based on established clinical practice guidelines for prevention and treatment of hypertension, which recommend weight loss (if overweight), limiting sodium and alcohol intake, regular physical activity, and eating a low-fat diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables. Seniors will attend weekly group classes conducted by trained research assistants for the first 12 weeks (intensive phase); followed by three individual motivational interview (MINT) sessions that will occur monthly over the next three months (extended phase); and finally each senior will receive three bi-monthly booster MINT sessions in the remaining six months (maintenance phase).

Physical activity is assessed using the Yale Physical Activity Scale (YPAS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data collected with the YPAS will be reported as a final total activity dimension score. Data collected for the IPAQ will be expressed in MET-min per day or categorically (low, moderate, high).