Positive aging: feasibility and acceptability of an eHealth ACT module for middle-aged and older adults

Previous research emphasizes the importance of well-being in old age and its association with positive mental and physical health at earlier stages of aging during midlife. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has the potential to support positive aging processes. This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a new unguided eHealth ACT module in a population from 40 years onwards. Data were collected at two measurement points in time (before and after completion of the ACT module). In total, 313 participants (range = 40-75 years; mean(SD) = 54 years (8.3); 76% female) had 8 weeks access to the ACT module and responded to the feasibility questionnaire, upon completion of the module. Logged data (time spent online per session and in total, number of attended sessions) was also analyzed. Of the respondents, 76% reported a completion rate of 75%-100%. On average, 3.5 h (SD = 6.4) per week were spent on the module and practicing the ACT skills. The mean evaluation of the module was 7.4 (SD = 1.2, range = 1-10). Approximately 80% of the participants rated each session as (very) good. Absence of guidance was marked as a limitation. The results indicate good feasibility and acceptance of this unguided eHealth module. This is a promising result as this is, to our knowledge, the first study applying an eHealth ACT module to the general population in the context of positive aging. The effectiveness results will be addressed in a future paper.