Abstract
Safer and more effective programs are required to cope with an increasing number of older people with depression. Hence, we developed the Positive Photo Appreciation (PPA) program. A three-month pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with healthy Japanese individuals aged 65–84 years, assigned to a PPA group (n = 28) or Photo Correspondence Education (PCE) (control group) (n = 27). We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures, among others, were cognitive function and positive emotion. Data collected at baseline and post-intervention were analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model. Over 80% of the participants in the PPA group completed and were satisfied with the program. Compared with the PCE group, the CES-D score in the PPA group significantly improved (main effect of group: t = −4.30, p < 0.001; interaction effect of group by time: t = 4.39, p < 0.001), with an effect size of d = 1.23. Additionally, a positive significant interaction effect of group by time was found in the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (t = −2.33, p = 0.024). The PPA program might be promising for mitigating depressive mood in older adults.
Highlights
We considered photography as a positive and enjoyable activity and predicted that it would enhance three elements: positive emotion, engagement, and meaning, which would lead to the improvement of depression
The program was started with 54 participants (PPA: n = 27, Photo Correspondence Education (PCE): n = 27)
We developed the Photo Appreciation (PPA) program based on a combination of the multiple dimensions of positive psychotherapy (PPT) that improve depressive symptoms by enhancing positive emotions, engagement, and meaning [8]
Summary
The number of people aged 60 years or more is estimated to be 962 million, comprising 13% of the global population [1]. This number is expected to rise rapidly; it has been estimated that people aged 60 years or more will comprise more than 25% of the total population in most regions of the world by 2050 [1]. In Japan, which has the highest proportion of aging population in the world, 30% of the population is expected to be aged 65 years or more by 2025 [2]. Because of the aging population, the importance of preventing and treating depression in older adults is, apparent, and the development of safe and effective non-pharmacological mood improvement programs is imperative
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