Psychological Well-being Of Older Adults Research Articles

Measuring Self-Efficacy for Exercise among Older Adults: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of a Brief Version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) Scale.

(1) Background: Physical activity is known to promote health and psychological well-being in older adults, yet global inactivity rates in this population remain high. Among the factors associated with physical activity, self-efficacy for exercise represents a key predictor for developing effective interventions in older adults. This study aimed to validate the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) in individuals over 65. (2) Methods: A sample of 726 older adults from the USA and Italy (51.1% females; age range = 65-95 years; Mage = 72.57, SDage = 6.49) completed the SEE, along with the Godin-Shepard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ), the Big Five Inventory 2-Extra Short Form (BFI-2-XS), and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). (3) Results: The SEE showed a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.88 and a Composite Reliability of 0.89. Moreover, it demonstrated a unidimensional factor structure and good fit indices. Full measurement invariance was achieved across gender and age, while partial scalar invariance was found across countries, suggesting minor cultural differences. Correlation with the GSLTPAQ, the BFI-2-XS, and the SF-12 support the convergent and nomological validity of the SEE. (4) Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that the SEE is a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy for exercise among older adults and that the items are interpreted similarly across different ages, genders, and cultures.

A cross-sectional analysis of gender and psychological well-being among older Taiwanese adults.

Psychological well-being (PWB) facilitates good health. Few studies have taken into consideration gender and how it can affect PWB within a sociocultural context. This study aims to determine if relationships between social, health, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors on PWB among older Taiwanese adults are affected by gender. Data were obtained from the 2016 Taiwan Mental Health Survey. A representative sample, of 2,286 individuals, was created using multistage proportional probability. Participants were interviewed at their homes using a structured questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were Taiwanese citizenship, age ≥ 55 years, and the ability to provide informed consent. Participants 65 years and above were selected for the study sample n = 1,533. An 18-item version of Ryff's PWB scale was used to determine PWB. The median value was used to categorize low and high PWB. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine predictors of PWB stratified by gender. Chronic disease, unemployment, and financial dependence negatively impacted men's PWB. Satisfaction with living environment and family relationships positively impacted women's PWB. Unique characteristics of older men, women, and culture account for this. Gender-specific interventions aimed at promoting PWB in older adults are needed. Recommendations include educational programs, social support workshops, and community engagement initiatives.

Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Home Attachment, Neighborhood Attachment, and Social Capital

This study aimed to examine the association between neighborhood social cohesion and psychological well-being among older adults in Iran in 2020. A cross-sectional design was employed, with 414 older adults recruited using a clustered sampling technique. The data collection instruments included the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Perceived Neighborhood Social Cohesion scale, the Place Attachment Scale for Older Adults, and the Social Capital Assessment Tool. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and the PROCESS Macro model 4 in SPSS24. Neighborhood social capital was found to completely mediate the association between neighborhood cohesion and psychological well-being among older adults. These results suggest that policymakers should consider implementing targeted policies to enhance neighborhood cohesion in order to improve the psychological well-being of older adults.

Pre-widowhood social support is linked to loneliness patterns: a growth mixture model using the health and retirement study

Objectives The first aim of the study is to compare loneliness levels between widowed and non-widowed older adults. The second aim is to identify distinct loneliness patterns among widowed individuals and explore the impact of pre-spousal loss social support on loneliness during and after bereavement. Method Data from the Health and Retirement Study were utilized to compare loneliness levels between widowed (n = 137) and non-widowed (n = 2361) older adults (M age = 69.01). T-tests and latent growth curve models were conducted to compare loneliness levels between the two groups. Growth mixture models were computed to identify distinct loneliness patterns among the widowed individuals. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine how pre-widowhood social support was associated with the obtained classes. Results The results revealed that widowed individuals reported significantly higher levels of loneliness at T2. Among widowed individuals, three distinct loneliness patterns were identified: Increased Loneliness (IL) group (n = 32); Low and Stable Loneliness (LSL) group (n = 88); and Decreased Loneliness (DL) group (n = 17). The IL and DL group were less likely to receive social support from spouse, children, and friends compared to the LSL group. Conclusion This study provides evidence of the protective effect of pre-widowhood social support on the psychological well-being of older adults after spousal loss.

Mental Health in Institutionalized Older Adults: Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Psychological Well-Being

The present research work is grounded in the question: "Is there a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in older adults?" In response to this, the hypothesis posits the existence of a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in older adults. Consequently, the general objective of this study was to determine if there is a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being in older adults residing in a nursing home. This was accomplished through a Quantitative Correlational research design, using a sample of 85 older adults, encompassing both men and women, aged 60 years and older, residing in a nursing home. The assessment tools employed included Emily Sterret's Self-Assessment Test of Emotional Intelligence, which was adapted for use in Peru by Lorena Valdez in 2018, and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale, originally created in the United States in 1995 and subsequently adapted for use in Peru by Madelinne Pérez-Basilio in 2017. The results revealed that in the realm of emotional intelligence, the predominant level was "optimal," accounting for 51%, followed by "outstanding," at 49%. Concerning psychological well-being, there was a predominance of the "high" level, comprising 61%, with 39% falling into the "medium" category. In conclusion, there was a strong correlation coefficient between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being, with r = 0.831** and significance at p < 0.01. This implies that higher emotional intelligence corresponds to greater psychological well-being among older adults residing in a nursing home. Received: 7 September 2023 / Accepted: 9 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

The Effect of Social Determinants of Health on Psychological Health Among Older Adults in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of various factors, including socioeconomic status, built environment, access to healthcare, educational level, social participation, and economic stability, on older adults’ psychological health. The current study analyzed a nationally representative sub-sample of 2,577 respondents aged 50 and above from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (WHO SAGE) Wave 2. WHO SAGE Wave 2 is cross-sectional data collected via in-person structured interviews. Ordinal least square (OLS) was used to measure the average effect of social determinants of health (SDoH), and quantile regression analysis was used to determine the effects of SDoH on older adults’ psychological health at different quantiles, specifically 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Significant determinants of psychological health across all quantiles included age, healthcare access, marital status, economic stability, and neighborhood and built environment. However, the degrees of significance for residence, gender, educational level, chronic diseases, and social participation varied between quantiles, showing differing effects on older adults with high or low psychological health. Religion was insignificant across all quantiles. This study highlights the need for governments and public health agencies to develop targeted interventions and strategies that support the psychological well-being of older adults in the country.

Metaverse Life Story Museum and Reminiscence Group Therapy for Older Adults in Hong Kong

Purpose: The research project is to investigate how effective metaverse life story museum reminiscence therapy is in improving the psychological well-being of older adults, promoting positive aging, and enhancing reminiscence functions. Method: A quasi-experimental design with three metaverse reminiscence group therapy sessions were conducted with 15 older adults. Standardized measurements were taken before and after the therapy sessions. Qualitative methods were also employed to collect feedback. Results: The results indicated an increase in reminiscence functions and improvement in gerotranscendence based on the quantitative data. The qualitative findings revealed that the metaverse museum was a valuable tool for stimulating memory and helping older adults remember important life episodes. Discussion: The findings contribute to a better understanding of the utilization of metaverse in social work practice. Social workers are encouraged to introduce metaverse technology to older adults and provide them with training on how to use it safely and securely.

Prefrontal engagement predicts the effect of museum visit on psychological well-being: an fNIRS exploration.

Recent research suggests that museum visits can benefit psychological well-being by reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. However, these reported relaxing effects remain inconsistent between studies. Shedding light on the underlying cerebral mechanisms of museum visits might support a better understanding of how it affects psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prefrontal engagement evoked by artwork analysis during a museum visit and to determine if these prefrontal substrates are associated with the museum's effect on psychological well-being in older adults. Nineteen adults aged between 65 and 79, toured a Baroque-style exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for approximately 20 minutes while equipped with a near-infrared spectroscopy system measuring the prefrontal cortex's hemodynamic activity. For each painting, participants received the instruction to either (1): analyze the painting and produce a personal interpretation of its signification (analytic condition) or (2) visualize the painting without any specific thoughts (visualization condition). Questionnaires measuring stress, anxiety, and well-being were administered before and after the visit. Sixteen older women (71.5 ± 4 years) were included in the analyses. Results showed that, at the group level, the analytic condition was associated with an increased activation pattern in the left ventrolateral prefrontal region, typically related to attentional processes (not observed in the visualization condition). The activation associated with the analytic condition predicted pre-/post-visit reductions in self-reported anxiety and stress in the sample of older women. These observations suggest that the level of engagement of attentional processes during artwork analysis may play a major role in the effect of a museum's visit on self-reported symptoms of anxiety.

Leisure Attitude, Self-Rated Health, and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model.

A positive leisure attitude among older adults may have a beneficial effect on psychological well-being, both directly and indirectly by fostering a more positive perception of one's health. This paper presents a correlational design that explores associations among leisure attitude, self-rated health, and psychological well-being, and analyzes the potential moderating role of gender in these relationships. The sample was selected using simple random probability sampling (N= 409; 61.9% female; Mean age = 72.9; SD = 8.43¸ Range of age 53 to 93 years). Diverse sociodemographic information was collected, and leisure attitudes, self-perceived health, and psychological well-being (positive affect and emotional ties) were assessed. The results revealed a positive effect of leisure attitude on self-rated health and psychological well-being, with self-rated health fully mediating the association between the behavioral component of leisure attitude and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between self-rated health and psychological well-being was stronger among men. Positive cognitive and emotional perceptions of leisure among older adults seem to benefit psychological well-being and improve self-rated health, thereby contributing to healthy ageing.

Perceived social position, active engagement with life, and depressive symptoms among older adults

RationaleDespite the existing literature on the relationship between perceived social position (PSP) and depressive symptoms, there remain gaps in our understanding, particularly regarding the potential for asymmetric effects of increases and decreases in PSP and the underlying mechanisms involved. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine whether increases and decreases in PSP are differentially associated with depressive symptoms and to explore the potential mediating role of active engagement with life in these associations. MethodsThis study utilized data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), collected between 2008 and 2018, involving a sample of 3506 individuals aged 65 or older. Asymmetric fixed effects (FE) models were employed, which enable the estimation of differential effects for increases and decreases in PSP, while accounting for unobserved individual-level heterogeneity. To assess the mediating role of active engagement in life, Sobel mediation tests were conducted. ResultsThe asymmetric FE estimates revealed a stronger association between decreases in PSP and increases in depressive symptoms compared to the association between increases in PSP and decreases in depressive symptoms. The Sobel mediation tests indicated that formal social activities had the most substantial mediating effect, explaining 14% and 9% of the total effect mediated for increased and decreased PSP and depressive symptoms, respectively. Leisure/hobby activities explained 10% and 4% of the total effect mediated for increased and decreased PSP and depressive symptoms, respectively. ConclusionThis study provides evidence that increases and decreases in PSP have differential effects on depressive symptoms among older adults in Korea. Policy interventions aimed at improving the psychological well-being of older adults should prioritize efforts to both enhance PSP and minimize declines, as the latter can have a stronger negative impact on depressive symptoms. Active engagement in life may serve as a potential pathway for achieving the desired effects.

Online Mindful Movement Approach for Older Adults: Two Case Studies

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact, especially on many older individuals. Outbreaks significantly affected accessibility and community engagement, making it challenging to maintain social connections with family, friends, and society. Social distancing measures and lockdown restrictions have been linked to challenges in physical and mental health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that can alleviate the pandemic’s impact and foster meaningful social connections, particularly for older adults experiencing age-related cognitive changes (ACC). In response, an online mindful movement approach (MMA) targeting loneliness and psychological wellbeing in older adults experiencing ACC (n = 16) was implemented. This paper presents a comparative analysis highlighting two case studies derived from the parent study, examining the impact of the online MMA for older adults experiencing ACC. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the two cases. The participants reported a decrease in loneliness along with notable improvements in self-awareness, mood, and social connectedness. Additionally, they experienced an enhancement in their mindfulness practice and discovered new ways to use movement to enhance their well-being. The findings suggested that online MMA offered an alternative platform that can provide physical and psychosocial health benefits to older adults experiencing ACC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can Creativity and Cognitive Reserve Predict Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults? The Role of Divergent Thinking in Healthy Aging

The maintenance of psychological well-being (PWB) in the older adult population is a pivotal goal for our rapidly aging society. PWB is a multicomponent construct that can be influenced by several factors in the lifespan. The beneficial role of divergent thinking (DT) and cognitive reserve (CR) in sustaining older subjects’ PWB has been scarcely investigated so far. The present study aims to investigate the relationships between DT, CR, and PWB in a sample of 121 healthy older adults (61 females; M age: 73.39 ± 6.66 years; M education: 11.33 ± 4.81 years). The results highlight that better DT performance predicts higher CR, which mediates an indirect positive effect of DT on emotional competence, one of the PWB factors. It follows that DT and CR can be considered protective factors in aging, and their effects go beyond cognitive functioning, revealing a positive effect even on some PWB components. The practical implications regarding targeted health interventions for prevention in the older adult population to support well-being and promote healthy aging are discussed.

Community gardens and psychological well-being among older people in elderly housing with care services: The role of the social environment

With population aging, increasing numbers of elderly people in Japan are expected to enter aged care facilities (ACFs). Although research has shown that access to community gardens (CGs) is generally beneficial to older people's psychological well-being, the mechanisms by which the usage and quality of CGs influence the well-being of older adults in ACFs remain insufficiently studied. Therefore, this study aims to explore the associations between garden factors (i.e., garden visit frequency and perceived garden quality) and older adults' psychological well-being outcomes (i.e., positive well-being and self-rated health) and to investigate the mediating role of neighborhood social environment factors (i.e., outing frequency, social participation, perceived neighborhood social cohesion, and perceived neighborhood attachment) in these associations. We conducted a questionnaire survey with 322 older adults from twelve elderly housing with care services (EHCSs) in the Tokyo metropolitan area (TMA) of Japan. The multiple regression models showed that both garden factors were positively associated with positive well-being and self-rated health. The parallel mediation models showed that higher garden visit frequency and perceived garden quality were associated with higher outing frequency and perceived neighborhood social cohesion and, in turn, with higher positive well-being. Moreover, higher garden visit frequency and perceived garden quality were associated with greater social participation and thereby with better self-rated health; higher perceived garden quality was also associated with higher perceived neighborhood attachment and thus with better self-rated health. Our findings elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial associations between CGs and the psychological well-being of older adults in ACFs, emphasizing the important role of cultivating friendly social environments in CGs in enhancing healthy aging.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS, HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA

Abstract Objectives Living arrangements is an essential component of social environments for older adults. This study examines the impact of living arrangements and housing characteristics on the psychological well-being of older adults in China. Methods Data were derived from the 2011-2012 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The final sample consisted of 4,746 Chinese older adults aged 80–105 years. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of negative psychological outcomes, predicted by living arrangements, housing characteristics and other covariates. Results Overall, older adults who lived in a three-person household were less likely to feel lonely than their counterparts living in other household sizes. Participants who reported at least one housing problem (e.g., exposure to mold, minor home damage) were more likely to feel anxious and depressed than those who did not report any housing problems. Having a private bedroom was associated with better psychological well-being for both older men and women. Discussion This study demonstrates that both household sizes and housing conditions may influence health and well-being in advanced age. Living with family members and having adequate personal space at home have protective health benefits for older adults. This study has policy implications regarding household sizes and improvement in housing conditions.

TRANSITIONS TO LIVING ALONE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE U.S: ARE THERE ANY RACE DISPARITIES?

Abstract We extend the existing literature on living alone and psychological well-being in older adults by focusing on the transition process from other living arrangements to living alone. We examine how transitioning to living alone is associated with psychological well-being scores (measured by 21-item Ryff Measures of Psychological Well-being) and how the associations vary across racial and ethnic groups. Using data from 2016 and 2020 Health and Retirement Study, we specify the transitions to living alone from four living arrangements: living with spouse/partner only, living with spouse/partner and older parents, living with a spouse/partner, children, and parents, and living with others. Respondents consistently living alone were the reference group. Our analysis involves adults aged 50 and above (n=3160). After controlling for final psychological well-being scores and adjusting for age, gender, marital status, and education in 2016, results from multiple linear regression models suggest that the transitions from living with spouse/partner only to living alone are associated with significantly lower scores of psychological well-being (β= -1.71, p<.01) than those consistently living alone. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between individuals transitioning from the other three living arrangements to living alone and those consistently living alone. The moderation effect shows that older Blacks experienced increased psychological well-being when transitioning from living with a spouse/partner to living alone (β=2.26) while their White counterparts had decreased psychological well-being during the same transition. This underscores the significance of the transition experience and emphasizes race disparities in its association with psychological health outcomes.

Analysis of the Impact of Interpersonal Interactions on the Mental Health of Older People --Life Satisfaction as a Measure

An essential indicator of the psychological well-being of older adults is their life satisfaction. This paper examines the effect of interpersonal interactions on the psychological well-being of older adults. Life satisfaction is used as a mediator. The following conclusions were drawn life satisfaction was significantly and positively related to psychological well-being, and interacting with children and social interactions were positively associated with older adults life satisfaction. Negative marital status, including being unmarried and widowed, is detrimental to older adults life satisfaction, while the effects of divorce and marriage are not statistically significant. Older adults life satisfaction was negatively associated with the frequency of internet use.

Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention and a health self-management programme on psychological well-being in older adults with subjective cognitive decline: Secondary analyses from the SCD-Well randomised clinical trial

Objectives Older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) recruited from memory clinics have an increased risk of developing dementia and regularly experience reduced psychological well-being related to memory concerns and fear of dementia. Research on improving well-being in SCD is limited and lacks non-pharmacological approaches. We investigated whether mindfulness-based and health education interventions can enhance well-being in SCD. Methods The SCD-Well trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03005652) randomised 147 older adults with SCD to an 8-week caring mindfulness-based approach for seniors (CMBAS) or an active comparator (health self-management programme [HSMP]). Well-being was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month post-randomisation using the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS), the World Health Organisation’s Quality of Life (QoL) Assessment psychological subscale, and composites capturing meditation-based well-being dimensions of awareness, connection, and insight. Mixed effects models were used to assess between- and within-group differences in change. Results CMBAS was superior to HSMP on changes in connection at post-intervention. Within both groups, PWBS total scores, psychological QoL, and composite scores did not increase. Exploratory analyses indicated increases in PWBS autonomy at post-intervention in both groups. Conclusion Two non-pharmacological interventions were associated with only limited effects on psychological well-being in SCD. Longer intervention studies with waitlist/retest control groups are needed to assess if our findings reflect intervention brevity and/or minimal base rate changes in well-being.

An 18-month meditation training selectively improves psychological well-being in older adults: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

As the world population is ageing, it is vital to understand how older adults can maintain and deepen their psychological well-being as they are confronted with the unique challenges of ageing in a complex world. Theoretical work has highlighted the promising role of intentional mental training such as meditation practice for enhancing human flourishing. However, meditation-based randomised controlled trials in older adults are lacking. We aimed to investigate the effects of meditation training on psychological well-being in older adults. This study presents a secondary analysis of the Age-Well trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02977819), which randomised 137 healthy older adults (age range: 65 to 84 years) to an 18-month meditation training, an active comparator (English language training), or a passive control. Well-being was measured at baseline, mid-intervention, and 18-month post-randomisation using the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS), the World Health Organisation's Quality of Life (QoL) Assessment psychological subscale, and composite scores reflecting the meditation-based well-being dimensions of awareness, connection, insight, and a global score comprising the average of these meditation-based dimensions. The 18-month meditation training was superior to English training on changes in the global score (0.54 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.82], p = 0.0002) and the subscales of awareness, connection, insight, and superior to no-intervention only on changes in the global score (0.54 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.82], p = 0.0002) and awareness. Between-group differences in psychological QoL in favour of meditation did not remain significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There were no between-group differences in PWBS total score. Within the meditation group, psychological QoL, awareness, insight, and the global score increased significantly from baseline to 18-month post-randomisation. The longest randomised meditation training conducted to date enhanced a global composite score reflecting the meditation-based well-being dimensions of awareness, connection, and insight in older adults. Future research is needed to delineate the cognitive, affective, and behavioural factors that predict responsiveness to meditation and thus help refine the development of tailored meditation training.

P163: Closing the gap: Funded psychology in residential aged care in Australia.

Objective:Historically, older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACF) in Australia had no access to government funded psychology services despite high rates of anxiety and depression. Change Futures is a registered charity that provides funded psychology to more than 220 RACFs in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia, and since 2015 has been providing free psychology services to older adults living in aged care, using a predominately provisional psychologist workforce. This presentation will discuss the model of service that is provided, and the findings of a recent outcomes report.Method:Data was collected via clinician entered eHealth records in the 2021/2022 financial year from 01/07/2021 to 30/06/2022. Outcome measures were analysed using six repeated measure t-tests to compare clinical change from first and last assessments.Results:A total of 2865 residents were seen in 17,754 individual sessions and 298 group sessions. Staff education was provided in 94 sessions with 838 participants, who worked in RACFs. The most common presenting issue was difficulties with adjustment (70%), comorbid anxiety and depression (28%), depression (27%), loneliness (18%), and anxiety (17%). Outcomes of the psychology program showed statistically significant improvements on all measures, including the Kessler 5 psychological distress scale, Geriatric anxiety scale, Patient health Questionaire-9, De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and Brief Adjustment Scale.Conclusion:The described service model resulted in significant improvements to the psychological wellbeing of older adults, and represents an effective and sustainable training approach for provisional psychologists.

The Effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy in Improving Cognitive Functions And Psychological Wellbeing in Older Adults With Early Dementia ‐ The Randomized Control Trial

AbstractBackgroundReminiscence therapy (RT) is a trending type of non‐pharmacological intervention in dementia care. RT is using life histories recalling and re‐experiencing the life events in older people in order to improve their psychological well‐being through the volitional or non‐volitional process of recollecting memories from their past.MethodParticipants' selection inclusion criteria are: (a) aged 65 or above, (b) early stage of dementia that was screened by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with scoring of 17‐19, and (c) can read written instruction and consent. Participants were randomly assigned by block randomization with randomized block procedure. The participants attended eight group sessions, with each session lasting for 60 minutes. Sessions were administered two times a week over a 4‐week period. Participants' depressive symptoms were evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Subjective well‐being (the cognitive components) was measured by Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), mood change as measured by Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS). All these evaluation were conducted baseline, mid‐way evaluation and post‐evaluation by a registered Occupational Therapist.ResultForty older people (29 male and 11 female) were eligible for the study. There was significant difference on depressive symptoms (p = .02, t = ‐2.38), mood change (p = .03, t = ‐3.38), but marginally significant in subjective well‐being (p = .05, t = ‐1.03) between intervention and control group. Further analyses were conducted whether depressive symptoms and mood change effect individuals' subjective well‐being. A two‐way ANOVA revealed that there was not a statistically significant interaction between the effects of depressive symptoms and mood change (F(3, 16) = 1.242, p = .311). Simple main effects analysis showed that depressive symptoms did not have a statistically significant effect on subjective well‐being (p = .975). Simple main effects analysis showed that mood change did have a statistically significant effect on subjective well‐being (p < .000).ConclusionThe findings of this study affirmed the benefit of RT to older people with early stage of dementia through improving depressive symptoms, mood and marginally on their subjective well‐being. The research data available support the inclusion of a structured RT as a part of the routine care given to older people. There are some limitations of our study.