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

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW)?

Research on similar wellness programs for seniors shows that these initiatives can improve health-related quality of life and reduce healthcare costs by promoting healthy behaviors like better nutrition and increased physical activity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Wellness Program for Healthy Aging safe for humans?

The available research suggests that health and wellness programs, which often include physical activity and lifestyle changes, are generally safe for older adults. These programs can help improve physical activity levels and overall well-being, which are important for healthy aging. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How is the Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) treatment different from other treatments for healthy aging?

The Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) treatment is unique because it focuses on a holistic approach to wellness, incorporating physical, psychological, and sociocultural aspects to promote healthy aging. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on physical health, HAW emphasizes a comprehensive lifestyle strategy to enhance overall well-being. ^{1 10 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Study explores the impact of an eight-week Healthy Aging Wellness (HAW) group-based program delivered online and in-person to improve hope and well-being in community-dwelling older adults.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

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 '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]

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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of an Integrated Health Management Program Based on Successful Aging in Korean Women. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-Partnered Evaluation of the Aging Mastery Program in Los Angeles Area Senior Centers. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of health and wellness initiatives for seniors. [2016]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eat better & move more: a community-based program designed to improve diets and increase physical activity among older Americans. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of a technology-enhanced, integrated community health and wellness program for seniors (HWePS): protocol of a non-randomized comparison trial. [2023]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health, lifestyle, and gender influences on aging well: an Australian longitudinal analysis to guide health promotion. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical Activity and Healthy Aging. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maintenance of activity and eating change after a clinical trial of tailored newsletters with older rural women. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity and associated medical cost savings among at-risk older adults participating a community-based health & wellness program. [2018]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health-training intervention for community-dwelling elderly in the SeniorWISE Study. [2021]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing community relationships to enhance well-being in a worksite wellness program. [2019]

12. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"I am active": effects of a program to promote active aging. [2022]

13. Puerto Rico pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Relevance of health promotion programs for the elederly]. [2006]