Behavior changes by a buddy-style intervention including physical training, and nutritional and social support

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Multicomponent interventions are crucial for behavior change in older adults.
• Previous research highlights the need for physical training, nutritional, and social support.
• The efficacy of a
• buddy-style
• intervention for older adults remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a
• buddy-style
• intervention on physical activity and nutritional behaviors in older adults.
• To assess the feasibility and efficiency of a home-based, multicomponent intervention for seniors.
• To determine if social support, combined with physical and nutritional guidance, can modify health behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week, home-based, randomized controlled trial involving 80 older adults.
• Participants were assigned to an intervention group (physical training, nutritional support) or a control group.
• Trained volunteers provided twice-weekly home visits; behavior changes were assessed via validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant improvements in light sport activity, muscle strength exercise, and overall daily physical activity compared to controls.
• Significant increases in the consumption of legumes/nuts and fluids were observed in the intervention group.
• Improvements in physical activity were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while nutritional changes showed a trend towards significance (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

• A
• buddy-style
• program is effective in promoting physical activity changes among older adults living independently.
• The intervention also demonstrated a positive, though lesser, impact on dietary behavior modification.
• The program is considered feasible, efficient, and has potential for broader implementation in geriatric care.