Promoting Healthy Aging for Older People Living with Chronic Disease by Implementing Community Health Programs: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study

Anne-Marie Hill (), Trish Starling, Wei Xin, Chiara Naseri, Dan Xu, Geraldine O’Brien, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Leon Flicker, Max Bulsara, Meg E. Morris and Sharmila Vaz
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Anne-Marie Hill: School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Trish Starling: School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Wei Xin: School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Chiara Naseri: School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Dan Xu: Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Geraldine O’Brien: School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Christopher Etherton-Beer: WA Centre for Health and Ageing, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Leon Flicker: WA Centre for Health and Ageing, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
Max Bulsara: Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
Meg E. Morris: Academic and Research Collaborative in Health and Care Economy Research Institute, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
Sharmila Vaz: School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: The rising prevalence of chronic diseases could be mitigated by expanding community programs. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a community wellness program for older adults living with chronic disease. A two-group randomized controlled study, with blinded assessments, enrolling adults (≥50 years) with chronic disease, was conducted at a Western Australian community hub. Participants randomly allocated to the intervention participated in exercise groups and a wellness activity twice a week. Both the intervention and control groups received a Fitbit™ and workbook. The primary outcomes were recruitment, retention, acceptability, and suitability. The secondary outcomes measured at baseline and 12 weeks included physical function and physical activity (step count). There were 126 older adults approached, of whom 22 (17.5%) were recruited. Eighteen participants (mean age = 70.8 ± 8.1, n = 8 intervention, n = 10 control) completed 12 weeks. Two intervention participants (25% adherence) completed over 70% of sessions and eight participants (44.4% retention) accepted an ongoing 3-month program. Health problems (30.2%) were barriers to both recruitment and adherence. There were no significant between-group differences in physical function. Physical activity was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group ( p = 0.01). Tailored programs with ongoing support may be required to improve the health of older adults living with chronic disease.

Keywords: chronic disease; exercise; physical activity; older adults; feasibility; barriers; adherence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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