Wellness Program for Healthy Aging

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mercy University

Disqualifiers: Balance issues, History of falls, Cognitive impairments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an eight-week wellness program called Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW), designed to boost hope and well-being in older adults. Participants will attend sessions at a senior center or join remotely from home. The trial seeks individuals aged 65 or older who live independently and manage everyday tasks without assistance. Ideal candidates should feel confident using a computer or tablet for online participation if selected for that group.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for older adults?

Research shows that wellness programs focusing on exercise and lifestyle changes are generally safe for older adults. Studies find no major differences in satisfaction between in-person and online wellness programs, indicating both are well-received. Overall, health and wellness programs improve health without significant safety issues. This evidence suggests that both the in-person and online versions of the Healthy Aging Wellness program are safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Wellness Program for Healthy Aging because it offers tailored wellness interventions that are both accessible and adaptable to different lifestyles. Unlike traditional in-person health programs that require travel and scheduled visits, this study offers an online option, allowing participants to join from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility is especially beneficial for seniors who may face mobility challenges or prefer the convenience of remote engagement. Additionally, the program aims to promote holistic health and well-being, potentially enhancing quality of life in ways that standard medical treatments may not address.

What evidence suggests that this trial's wellness programs could be effective for healthy aging?

Research has shown that the Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) program, available to trial participants either in-person or online, effectively increases hope and well-being in older adults. Studies have found equal satisfaction with both methods. The in-person program significantly enhances health and wellness, with many participants enjoying the group setting at senior centers. Conversely, the online program boosts physical activity and other healthy habits, with evidence suggesting that digital health tools positively impact older adults' health. Overall, these programs appear promising for those seeking to improve wellness and quality of life as they age. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults living in the community who want to improve their hope and well-being. The program lasts eight weeks and includes group meetings that can be attended online or in person.

Inclusion Criteria

Health status verified by primary care physician

Access to a device with a camera and reliable internet services if recruited for the tele-health group

I can take care of my daily needs without help.

Exclusion Criteria

Medical conditions considered contra-indications to exercise

I have problems with balance.

I have fallen in the past 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in an eight-week Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) program delivered online and in-person, including seated yoga exercises, mindfulness, and social activities

8 weeks

8 sessions (in-person or online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in hope and well-being after the program

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW)

Trial Overview

The study tests a Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) program, which consists of group-based activities focused on promoting wellness among seniors. It's designed to see if this social and educational intervention can positively affect participants' outlook and health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: in-person wellness program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The program is delivered at the senior center site.

Group II: Online Wellness Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The program is delivered remotely. Participants join from their home environment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mercy University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

70+

Yeshiva University

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

2,600+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The 'I am Active' program significantly improved physical activity, nutrition, cognitive performance, and quality of life in 64 healthy adults aged 60 and older, compared to a control group.

Improvements in self-efficacy for physical activity and nutrition, as well as processing speed, were maintained even at a 6-month follow-up, indicating lasting benefits of the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"I am active": effects of a program to promote active aging. Mendoza-Ruvalcaba, NM., Arias-Merino, ED.[2022]

A psychosocial health training intervention for elderly individuals, consisting of 20 hours of classes over 6 months, led to significant improvements in functional ability as measured by the Direct Assessment of Functional Status.

The study, which included 110 participants, showed that health training can enhance the ability to perform daily activities, indicating its potential effectiveness for promoting successful aging.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health-training intervention for community-dwelling elderly in the SeniorWISE Study. McDougall, GJ., Becker, H., Acee, TW., et al.[2021]

Wellness programs are evolving from focusing solely on physical health to incorporating social, emotional, and environmental aspects, which is essential for comprehensive well-being.

The paper highlights three community well-being initiatives at a university that successfully fostered positive relationships among employees, contributing to a healthier organizational culture.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing community relationships to enhance well-being in a worksite wellness program. Click, ER., Hammock, JM., Omabegho, B., et al.[2019]

The integrated health management program (IHMP) significantly improved physical health in older Korean women, with notable decreases in body mass index and increases in skeletal muscle mass after 12 weeks of intervention.

Participants also experienced improvements in mental health, as evidenced by reduced depression levels and increased social support, highlighting the program's comprehensive benefits for successful aging.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of an Integrated Health Management Program Based on Successful Aging in Korean Women. Ahn, O., Cha, HG., Chang, SJ., et al.[2022]

Wellness promotion programs for elderly adults should focus on a holistic approach that includes not just health, but also lifestyle, physical, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

These programs must respect the elderly's ability and right to take responsibility for their own well-being, considering their unique characteristics and historical context.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Relevance of health promotion programs for the elederly]. Sánchez-Ayéndez, M.[2006]

Regular exercise is crucial for healthy aging, helping to prevent issues like falls, pain, and cognitive decline, yet most older adults do not meet the recommended activity levels.

Healthcare provider counseling and community-based exercise programs can significantly support older adults in improving their physical activity habits, enhancing their overall quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical Activity and Healthy Aging. Eckstrom, E., Neukam, S., Kalin, L., et al.[2021]

Citations

1.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02703181.2025.2530994?src=exp-la

Promoting Aging in Place Through A Wellness Program

This study examined the impact of an eight-week Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) group- based standardized program delivered online and in-person to improve ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7041904/

Aging Adults' Preferences for Wellness Program Activities ...

Identify characteristics associated with aging adults' preferences for wellness program activities and delivery characteristics.

3.

researchgate.net

researchgate.net/publication/393703161_Promoting_Aging_in_Place_Through_A_Wellness_Program_Comparing_In-Person_and_Online_Delivery

Promoting Aging in Place Through A Wellness Program

Promoting Aging in Place Through A Wellness Program: Comparing In-Person and Online Delivery ... outcomes and health care utilization in aging populations.

4.

journals.sagepub.com

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00469580231152314

Reach and Impact of In-Person and Remote Delivery ...

This descriptive study retrospectively evaluates the reach and impact of cohorts enrolled in Group (in-person, 2017-2020) and Self-Directed ...

5.

aging.jmir.org

aging.jmir.org/2024/1/e52069/

Remote Evidence-Based Programs for Health Promotion to ...

Three-fourths of the providers (149/198, 75.2%) felt that effectiveness was maintained when switching from in-person to remote delivery.

6.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-group-meetings-9-2023-7dd75

Wellness Program for Healthy Aging · Info for Participants

The available research suggests that health and wellness programs, which often include physical activity and lifestyle changes, are generally safe for older ...