Feasibility Trial of an Integrated Treatment "Activate for Life" for Physical and Mental Well-being in Older Adults

Abstract

This paper describes feasibility and patient satisfaction for an integrated treatment to address multiple health outcomes in a sample of older adults living in a low-income independent residence facility and their own homes in the community. Specifically, 30 older adults were offered the opportunity to participate in a feasibility study of different components of Activate for Life treatment targeting balance and physical strength (Otago Exercise Program), breathing retraining (Gentle Yoga and Yogic Breathing), and mental health (Behavioral Activation for Depression). Three treatment combinations were compared in a randomized repeated measures design to determine if adding components to the existing Otago program were feasible and if this affected patient satisfaction. Arm1: the Otago strength and balance program alone (n = 10); Arm 2: Otago + Gentle Yoga and Yogic Breathing (n = 10); and Arm 3: Otago + Gentle Yoga and Yogic Breathing + Behavioral Activation (we named this combination ‘Activate for Life’ n = 10). Dependent measures included recruitment rate, session completion characteristics, and satisfaction with the program. Overall, study and treatment components proved feasible, and participants reported high satisfaction with all 3 Arms.

Elderly Friendly Exercises: A PRISMA-Guided Review of the Literature to Enable Awareness of Exercise that are Recommended for Elderly

“…It also reduces body weight and the chance of injury. Sleep quality [153] and sleep efficiency [153] are also improved by yoga exercises as well as feasibility measures [154]. The community should use this kind of physical exercise to better control the physical effects of aging [155].…”

“…Yoga exercise helps to improve mental well-being by reducing mental stress and improving sleep quality [153] and physical wellness [158,160,165]. Feasibility measures like satisfaction with the program also improve mental wellbeing [154]. It has been shown that mental well-being is related to doing more minutes of yoga per week [156].…”