Abstract
Objectives: This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed (N = 585; age: M = 74.5 years, SD = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. Results: At 12 months, significant decreases in total (B = -.37, p = .01) and social loneliness (B = -.24, p = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. Discussion: The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 08982643211015027 |
Pages (from-to) | 865-876 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Aging and Health |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 10 |
Early online date | 7 May 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2021 |
Keywords
- loneliness
- older adults
- chronic diseases
- mobility impairments
- QUALITY-OF-LIFE
- SOCIAL-ISOLATION
- PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY
- EMOTIONAL LONELINESS
- RISK-FACTORS
- HEALTH
- PEOPLE
- DISABILITY
- AGE
- METAANALYSIS