Feasibility trial evaluation of a peer volunteering active aging intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged)

Afroditi Stathi, Janet Withall, Janice L. Thompson, Mark G. Davis, Selena Gray, Jolanthe De Koning, Graham Parkhurst, Liz Lloyd, Colin Greaves, Robert Laventure, Kenneth R. Fox

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27 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Background: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) is a theory-informed, pragmatic intervention using peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, inactive older adults. This study aimed to establish ACE's feasibility and acceptability. Methods: Fifty-four older adults were recruited as either peer volunteers (activators; n = 15) or participants (ACEs; n = 39). Participants were randomized to one-to-one support from an activator (ACEs-Intervention [ACEs-I]) or a waiting-list control group (ACEs-Control [ACEs-C]). Activators supported ACEs-I to get out more and engage with local activities. Objectively measured physical activity (PA), lower limb function, and number of out of house activities were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed changes in confidence to get out and about, social support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results: Eighty-two percent of ACEs (mean age = 73.7 years [SD 7.3]) and all activators completed assessments at both baseline and post-intervention (6 months). ACEs-I reported more out of house activities (M [SD] = 6.34 [4.15]). ACEs-I increased physical function post-intervention (M [SD] = 9.8 [2.3]). ACEs-I reported improved well-being and vitality and increased confidence to get out and about, confidence in the face of specific barriers, knowledge of local initiatives, and perceived social support post-intervention. Activators, although sufficiently active at baseline, increased their PA further. ACE was well-accepted and easy to deliver. Conclusions: ACE is an acceptable and feasible intervention for helping socially disengaged older people to get out and about more, improve their confidence, and engage more with their community.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)571-582
Number of pages12
JournalGerontologist
Volume60
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Apr 2020

Funding

Two thousand mailed invitations and 1,000 flyers were delivered in the target areas resulting in 230 responses from potential participants and activators (response rate 11.5% [95% CI: 10.1–12.8]). Limited response rate data are available from similar studies for comparison purposes. The Groningen Active Living Model study completed baseline measures on 315 older adults having mailed 8,504 people (3.7%). Recruitment rates were supported by reminders and home visits for potential participants. Retention figures were not reported (Stevens, de Jong, & Lemmink, 2008). This study was supported by Medical Research Council - Lifelong Health and Wellbeing (grant/award number: G1001864). Conflict of Interest None reported.

Keywords

  • Community engagement
  • Intervention
  • Mixed methods
  • Peer support
  • Physical activity
  • Physical function
  • Process evaluation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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  • Ace Active Connected and Engaged Neighbourhoods

    Stathi, A. (PI), Davis, M. G. (CoI), Fox, K. R. (CoI), Gray, S. (CoI), Lloyd, L. (CoI), Parkhurst, G. (CoI) & Thompson, J. L. (CoI)

    MRC

    29/02/1231/05/14

    Project: Research council

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