The AgeWell study of behavior change to promote health and wellbeing in later life: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials. 2012 Jul 24:13:115. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-13-115.

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle factors playing a role in the development of late-life disability may be modifiable. There is a need for robust evidence about the potential for prevention of disability through behavior change interventions.

Methods/design: This feasibility study involves the development, implementation and initial testing of a behavior change intervention in a naturalistic setting. A small-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate the implementation of a goal-setting intervention aimed at promoting behavior change in the domains of physical and cognitive activity in the context of a community resource center for over-50s. Healthy older participants attending the center (n = 75) will be randomized to one of three conditions: control (an interview involving a general discussion about the center); goal-setting (an interview involving identification of up to five personal goals in the domains of physical activity, cognitive activity, diet and health, and social engagement); or goal-setting with mentoring (the goal-setting interview followed by bi-monthly telephone mentoring). All participants will be reassessed after 12 months. Primary outcomes are levels of physical and cognitive activity. Secondary outcomes address psychosocial (self-efficacy, mood, quality of life), cognitive (memory and executive function), and physical fitness (functional and metabolic) domains. Cost-effectiveness will also be examined.

Discussion: This study will provide information about the feasibility of a community-based lifestyle intervention model for over-50s and of the implementation of a goal-setting intervention for behavior change, together with initial evidence about the short-term effects of goal-setting on behavior.

Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN30080637 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affect
  • Age Factors
  • Aging* / psychology
  • Cognition
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Executive Function
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Goals
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Care Costs
  • Health Promotion* / economics
  • Health Promotion* / methods
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Memory
  • Mentors
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Fitness
  • Quality of Life
  • Research Design*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Self Efficacy
  • Telephone
  • Time Factors
  • Wales

Associated data

  • ISRCTN/ISRCTN30080637