Health and wellness for disadvantaged older adults: The AFRESH pilot study

•Older adults are unaware of biological mechanisms that contribute to the development of disabilities, chronic conditions and frailty.•When educated about energy homeostasis of aging and how to mitigate frailty, many older adults express a wish to know sooner rather than later..•AFRESH is a holistic, multi-component intervention, based on a health coaching approach and a tested frailty-focused educational communication tool.•Pilot testing of AFRESH content improved primary and secondary outcomes related to physical activity.•Future testing of the AFRESH intervention is warranted to improve health and wellness for community-dwelling older adults.