Effectiveness of a peer-based intervention on loneliness and social isolation of older Chinese immigrants in Canada: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants. Methods Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n = 30 each) in a randomized control parallel trial design. Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. Social workers who are not blinded to the group assignment measured the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including three primary outcomes (loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation) and five secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life). Results The 30 intervention group participants showed a statistically significant decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to the 30 control group participants. They reported fewer barriers to social participation, fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group. Conclusions There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered.

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Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention on Socially Isolated Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada: a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.2.23209/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel W.L. Lai ◽

Jia Li ◽

Xiaoting Ou ◽

Celia Y.P. Li

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Peer Support ◽

Social Participation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Chinese Immigrants ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Older Chinese

Abstract Background: Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants. Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n=30 each). Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. An randomized control trial design was used to capture the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation, depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life. Results: The intervention group participants showed a decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to control group participants. They reported fewer depressive symptoms, fewer barriers to social participation, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group. Conclusions: There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069 Funding: There are no external funding for this study.

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Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention on Loneliness and Social Isolation of Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada: a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.2.23209/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel W.L. Lai ◽

Jia Li ◽

Xiaoting Ou ◽

Celia Y.P. Li

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Peer Support ◽

Social Participation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Chinese Immigrants ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Older Chinese

Abstract Background: Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants.Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n=30 each) in a randomized control parallel trial design. Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. Social workers who are not blinded to the group assignment measured the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including three primary outcomes (loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation) and five secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life).Results: The 30 intervention group participants showed a statistically significant decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to the 30 control group participants. They reported fewer barriers to social participation, fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group.Conclusions: There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069Funding: There are no external funding for this study.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PEER-BASED INTERVENTION ON SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1347 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S369-S369

Author(s):

Daniel, W L Lai ◽

Jia Li ◽

Liza Chan ◽

Celia Li ◽

Alison X Ou

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Peer Support ◽

Social Participation ◽

Program Effectiveness ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Chinese Immigrants ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Older Chinese

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing older Chinese immigrants’ loneliness and social isolation to improve their psychosocial well-being. Method: A randomized controlled trial design was adopted. A sample of 60 community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and above were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. 25 volunteers aged 48 to 76 were recruited and trained to provide one-to-one peer support services through home visits and telephone. The services included multiple activities such as providing emotional support, assisting in problem-solving, and community resources sharing. Different types of activities were consecutively executed throughout the eight weeks in accordance with the service protocol. Standardized assessments including loneliness, social support, social participation, and other psychosocial outcomes such as life satisfaction, happiness, depression, and resilience at baseline and after intervention were measured. Results: After the intervention, as compared to control group participants, intervention group participants reported a significant decrease in loneliness, fewer barriers in social participation, and a significant increase in resilience. They also reported fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness, but no such improvements were observed in the control group. Discussion: The study findings illustrate the need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging, baby boomers can be trained to take up more volunteer roles to serve older adults in distress via peer-based intervention approaches.

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The effect of group exercises on balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215518815218 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 439-449 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Chandra da Silveira Langoni ◽

Thais de Lima Resende ◽

Andressa Bombardi Barcellos ◽

Betina Cecchele ◽

Juliana Nunes da Rosa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Control Group ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To determine the effects of group exercises on balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Design: Single blinded, randomized, matched pairs clinical trial. Setting: Four primary healthcare units. Subjects: Fifty-two sedentary subjects with mild cognitive impairment were paired (age, sex, body mass index, and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised score), tested, and then randomized into an intervention group ( n = 26) and a control group ( n = 26). Intervention: The intervention group performed strength (ankle weights, elastic bands, and dumbbells) and aerobic exercises (walking) in their communities’ public spaces, twice a week (60 minutes each), during 24 weeks. The control group maintained its usual routine. Main measures: Balance (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Before the intervention, the two groups did not differ statistically. After, the intervention group showed significant improvement ( P < 0.05) in balance (before: 53 ± 3; after: 55.1 ± 1.1 points), mobility (before: 10.7 ± 2.9 seconds; after: 8.3 ± 2 seconds), and depressive symptoms (median punctuation (interquartile range) before: 4 (1.8–6); after: 2.5 (1–4)). The control group presented a significant increase in their depressive symptoms (median before: 3.5 (2–7.3); after: 4 (2–5.3)), while their balance and mobility showed no significant modification. Small effect sizes were observed in the intervention group and control group depressive symptoms, as well as in the control group’s mobility and balance. Large effect sizes were observed the intervention group’s mobility and balance. Conclusion: Group exercises improved balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

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Effectiveness of a health-social partnership program for discharged non-frail older adults: a pilot study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-01722-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Arkers Kwan Ching WONG ◽

Frances Kam Yuet WONG ◽

Jenny Sau Chun NGAI ◽

Shirley Yu Kan HUNG ◽

Wah Chun LI

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Daily Living ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Social Partnership ◽

Frail Older Adults

Abstract Background Previous studies supporting discharged patients are hospital-based which admission criteria tend to include mainly those with complex needs and/or specific disease conditions. This study captured the service gap where these non-frail older patients might have no specific medical problem upon discharge but they might encounter residual health and social issues when returning home. Methods Discharged community-dwelling non-frail older adults from an emergency medical ward were recruited and randomized into either intervention (n = 37) or control (n = 38) group. The intervention group received a 12-week complex interventions that included structured assessment, health education, goal empowerment, and care coordination supported by a health-social team. The control group received usual discharge care and monthly social call. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary outcomes included activities of daily living (ADL), the presence of depressive symptoms, and the use of health services. The outcomes were measured at pre-intervention (T1) and at three months post-intervention (T2). The independent t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the group differences in HRQoL, ADL, and presence of depressive symptoms according to the normality of data. Results Analysis showed that the intervention group experienced a statistically significantly improvement in the mental component scale of quality of life (p = .036), activities of daily living (p = .005), and presence of depressive symptoms (p = .035) at T2 compared with at T1. No significant differences were found in the control group. Conclusions Supporting self-care is necessary to enable community-dwelling non-frail older adults to be independent to the fullest extent possible in the community. The promising results found in this pilot study suggested that the integration of the health-social partnership into transitional care practice is effective and can be sustained in the community. Future studies can draw on these findings and maximize the integrated care quality during the transition phase. Trial registration NCT04434742 (date: 17 June 2020, retrospectively registered).

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Increasing Life-Space Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment Following Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glaa254 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Phoebe Ullrich ◽

Christian Werner ◽

Martin Bongartz ◽

Tobias Eckert ◽

Bastian Abel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Older Persons ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Life Space ◽

Home Based ◽

Independent Life

Abstract Background Community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) following discharge from geriatric rehabilitation are at high risk of losing life-space mobility (LSM). Interventions to improve their LSM are, however, still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CI-specific, home-based physical training and activity promotion program on LSM. Methods Older persons with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 17–26 points) discharged home from rehabilitation were included in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention period and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group received a CI-specific, home-based strength, balance, and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies. The control group received a placebo activity. LSM was evaluated by the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment, including a composite score for LSM and 3 subscores for maximal, equipment-assisted, and independent life space. Mixed-model repeated-measures analyses were used. Results One hundred eighteen participants (82.3 ± 6.0 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 23.3 ± 2.4) were randomized. After the intervention, the home-based training program resulted in a significant benefit in the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment composite scores (b = 8.15; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–13.41; p = .003) and independent life-space subscores (b = 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.78; p = .048) in the intervention group (n = 63) compared to control group (n = 55). Other subscores and follow-up results were not significantly different. Conclusions The home-based training program improved LSM and independent life space significantly in this vulnerable population. Effects were not sustained over the follow-up. The program may represent a model for improved transition from rehabilitation to the community to prevent high risk of LSM restriction.

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Effects of a psychosocial intervention at one-year follow-up in a PREDIMED-plus sample with obesity and metabolic syndrome

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-88298-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Núria Mallorquí-Bagué ◽

María Lozano-Madrid ◽

Cristina Vintró-Alcaraz ◽

Laura Forcano ◽

Andrés Díaz-López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Food Addiction ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Lifestyle Recommendations ◽

One Year ◽

Mediational Role

AbstractThis study examines if overweight/obesity are related to higher impulsivity, food addiction and depressive symptoms, and if these variables could be modified after 1 year of a multimodal intervention (diet, physical activity, psychosocial support). 342 adults (55–75 years) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) from the PREDIMED-Plus Cognition study were randomized to the intervention or to the control group (lifestyle recommendations). Cognitive and psychopathological assessments were performed at baseline and after 1-year follow-up. At baseline, higher impulsivity was linked to higher food addiction and depressive symptoms, but not to body mass index (BMI). Food addiction not only predicted higher BMI and depressive symptoms, but also achieved a mediational role between impulsivity and BMI/depressive symptoms. After 1 year, patients in both groups reported significant decreases in BMI, food addiction and impulsivity. BMI reduction and impulsivity improvements were higher in the intervention group. Higher BMI decrease was achieved in individuals with lower impulsivity. Higher scores in food addiction were also related to greater post-treatment impulsivity. To conclude, overweight/obesity are related to higher impulsivity, food addiction and depressive symptoms in mid/old age individuals with MetS. Our results also highlight the modifiable nature of the studied variables and the interest of promoting multimodal interventions within this population.

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Short-term balance training and acute effects on postural sway in balance-deficient older adults: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00251-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Niklas Sörlén ◽

Andreas Hult ◽

Peter Nordström ◽

Anna Nordström ◽

Jonas Johansson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Postural Sway ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Balance Exercise

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks of balance exercise compared with no intervention on objectively measured postural sway. Methods This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled, open label, trial. A six-sided dice was used for allocation at a 1:1-ratio between exercise and control. The trial was performed at a university hospital clinic in Sweden and recruited community-dwelling older adults with documented postural instability. The intervention consisted of progressively challenging balance exercise three times per week, during 4 weeks, with follow-up at week five. Main outcome measures were objective postural sway length during eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Results Sixty-five participants aged 70 years (balance exercise n = 32; no intervention n = 33) were randomized. 14 participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout before follow-up at week five, leaving 51 (n = 22; n = 29) participants for analysis. No significant differences were detected between the groups in any of the postural sway outcomes. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in hand grip strength for the intervention group, while Timed Up & Go improvements were comparable between groups but only statistically significant in the control group. Conclusions Performing balance exercise over a four-week intervention period did not acutely improve postural sway in balance-deficient older adults. The lower limit in duration and frequency to achieve positive effects remains unclear. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT03227666, July 24, 2017, retrospectively registered.

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The Effects of Technological Interventions on Social Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Dementia: A Systematic Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10112308 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2308

Author(s):

Pascale Heins ◽

Lizzy M. M. Boots ◽

Wei Qi Koh ◽

An Neven ◽

Frans R. J. Verhey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Participation ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Technological Interventions ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Social isolation in community-dwelling older adults with dementia is a growing health issue that can negatively affect health and well-being. To date, little attention has been paid to the role of technology in improving their social participation. This systematic review aims to provide a systematic overview of the effects of technological interventions that target social participation in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. The scientific databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and independently screened by two reviewers. Results were synthesized narratively. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers. In total, 36 studies of varying methodological quality were identified. Most studies evaluated social networking technology and ICT training programs. Three studies focused on people with dementia. Quantitative findings showed limited effects on loneliness, social isolation, and social support. Nevertheless, several benefits related to social participation were reported qualitatively. Social interaction, face-to-face contact, and intergenerational engagement were suggested to be successful elements of technological interventions in improving the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. Rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are highly needed to evaluate the long-term effects of technology on the multidimensional concept of social participation.

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Self-Rated Health and Subjective Economic Status in Life Satisfaction among Older Chinese Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9030342 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 342

Author(s):

Bum Jung Kim ◽

Lin Chen ◽

Ling Xu ◽

Yura Lee

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Economic Status ◽

Chinese Immigrants ◽

The United States ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Older Chinese

This study examines the influence of self-rated health and subjective economic status on the life satisfaction of older Chinese immigrants in the United States. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 205 older Chinese immigrants aged 66 to 90 years living in Los Angeles and Honolulu. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis was employed to explore the independent effects of self-rated health and subjective economic status. The results demonstrated that self-rated health and subjective economic status were positively associated with life satisfaction. This cross-sectional study provides empirical evidence that self-rated health and subjective economic status are directly associated with subjective life satisfaction among older Chinese immigrants.

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