Feasibility Trial Evaluation of a Peer Volunteering Active Aging Intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged). (19th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stathi, Afroditi; Withall, Janet; Thompson, Janice L; Davis, Mark G; Gray, Selena; De Koning, Jolanthe; Parkhurst, Graham; Lloyd, Liz; Greaves, Colin; Laventure, Robert; Fox, Kenneth R
• Editors: Meeks, Suzanne
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 60:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 571
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2019-02-19
• Subjects: Physical activity -- Physical function -- Community engagement -- Intervention -- Peer support -- Mixed methods -- Process evaluation; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

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.