Connectedness, feeling At home, and joyful Play (CAP): A place-based wellness model for cognitive health promotion in the community by the community

Abstract

ABSTRACT As populations age, leveraging community resources to reduce dementia risk is increasingly vital for brain health. Using community-based participatory research methods, we co-developed and tested a pilot program with older adults in Metro Vancouver, Canada, to better understand and address brain health needs in community settings. Over 12 focus groups, older adults provided input which led to a place-based wellness model ‘Connectedness, feeling At home, and joyful Play’ (CAP). The CAP model was incorporated into an 8-week feasibility study, testing various components of a multi-domain realist controlled trial (n = 78). Older adults were recommended various existing activities in the community based on their CAP profiles. A ‘Finding Meaning in Aging’ mindful discussion program was added in response to older adults’ feedback on current gaps. Path analysis of preliminary data suggests that total attendance (β = .196, p = .070) improved brain health at week 8 by increasing a sense of playfulness at week 4 (β = .284, p = .002). Mindfulness (β = .215, p = .046) improved brain health by increasing a sense of at-homeness (β = .227, p = .025). Both pre- and post-implementation feedback from older adults centred the importance of friendship in late life, specifically to address late-life losses. The community-generated CAP model shows promise for place-based cognitive health promotion.