PlanYourLifeSpan.org − an intervention to help seniors make choices for their fourth quarter of life: Results from the randomized clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectiveFew older adults contemplate their home support and health needs that may be required for aging-in-place. We sought to assess the efficacy of PlanYourLifespan.org (PYL), in influencing seniors’ planning behaviors, perception of the importance of planning, and confidence accessing services. MethodRandomized controlled trial, of adults, age ≥65 years in urban, suburban, rural areas of Texas, Illinois, Indiana. ResultsAmong 385 participants, mean age was 71.9 years, 79.5% female. Between baseline and one-month follow-up, average planning behavior score increased 0.22 points in the PYL arm when compared to the attention control (AC) arm. After controlling for baseline, mean one-month planning behavior score was significantly higher in the PYL arm than in the AC arm (1.25 points, CI 0.37–2.12, p=0.005). Secondary analyses via longitudinal linear mixed modelling suggested a study arm-by-time interaction effect for both planning behavior (p=0.047 and perception of importance (p=0.05). Significant baseline covariates included self-efficacy, education, perceived social support, power of attorney, and history of stroke. Conclusions and Practice Implications: PlanYourLifespan.org demonstrated efficacy in helping seniors plan for and communicate their health support needs. This free, nationally available tool may help individuals understand, plan, and communicate their options for their future support needs.