Positive Aging: The Impact of a Community Wellbeing and Resilience Program

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectives: To test the effect of a community wellbeing intervention, delivered by community partners, on the wellbeing, resilience, optimism, and social connection of older adults in the general population (Study 1) and older adult carers (Study 2), a population at risk for low wellbeing.Methods: Participants self-selected to take part in an 8-week multi-component wellbeing and resilience program consisting of weekly training sessions, and optional mentoring/peer support. Program participants and a natural control group were compared, post-intervention, on all outcomes of interest.Results: Intervention participants (Study 1) reported significantly lower scores of social isolation, but no significant difference in wellbeing, optimism, or resilience. Intervention participants (Study 2) showed significantly higher scores on all measured outcomes except social isolation.Conclusion: These studies point towards the potential benefits of wellbeing interventions for older adult from the general population and older adult carers, when delivered by community partners.Clinical implications: Early interventions promoting mental health may contribute to reducing the burden of mental health conditions on individuals and the health care system. Studies with more rigorous designs and extended follow-up measurements are required to consolidate these positive initial findings.