Salutogenic Healthy Ageing Programme Embracement (SHAPE) for senior-only households: A study protocol

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Rapidly ageing populations present significant societal and economic challenges.
• Healthy ageing is crucial for maintaining well-being and requires proactive health-promoting behaviors and risk prevention in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of the Salutogenic Healthy Ageing Programme Embracement (SHAPE) intervention.
• To evaluate SHAPE's impact on senior-only households in Singapore.

Main Methods:

• A stratified randomized controlled trial with process evaluation.
• The study utilizes the salutogenic model, focusing on positive well-being.
• A 12-week program with group sessions and home visits, involving 154 participants, with data collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The study aims to measure improvements in sense of coherence, quality of life, health-promoting behaviors, and self-efficacy.
• Qualitative interviews will explore participants' views on the SHAPE program.

Conclusions:

• The salutogenic model offers a holistic approach to older adult care, shifting from a disease-focused to a health-optimization model.
• The SHAPE intervention is designed to empower senior-only households with resources to adopt health-promoting actions for better health outcomes and quality of life.