Hi cbm,
I'm so glad you found our groups. I mostly have questions.
How many instructions are there to follow? Is the number of recommendations overwhelming? Or - is it just the very human case of not liking being told what to do?
Behavior change isn't easy. I have a husband who can change how he eats and exercises each week with few regrets. He's very healthy and energetic. However, it usually takes me months to get on his bandwagons. I heavily resist having to get up earlier to cook kale instead of toast to go with my eggs. He doesn't preach much but, if he gets even close, it takes me weeks longer. I bet this is even more extremely true for older people (and for kids too) because there's so much more telling them what to do/less control.
I don't know if I know enough to suggest anything - but, maybe, trying to be non confrontational and encouraging and making it easy for your parent to choose to make changes themself?
We do also have some existing questions with good answers. Does this one help at all: http://www.caring.com/questions/father-medicine-question?
Please let us know if the question helps and more about your situation. We have some great folks around who will surely have good advice.