Senior WISE intervention: Gender differences in bodily pain and trait anxiety

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Health Interventions

Background:

• Older adults often experience anxiety and pain, impacting quality of life.
• Existing health and memory interventions may have differential effects based on gender.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-specific outcomes of the Senior WISE (Wisdom Is Simply Exploration) memory and health training in older adults.
• To examine if anxiety mediates the effect of Senior WISE training on pain.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a Phase III randomized clinical trial.
• Participants: Older adults (average age 75), predominantly female (79%).
• Intervention: 12 hours of Senior WISE memory or health training, with 24-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Memory training reduced anxiety in males, eliminating gender differences in the health promotion group.
• The Senior WISE intervention decreased pain in both genders at post-intervention, but not at follow-up.
• For males, reduced anxiety partially mediated the effect of memory training on pain at post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Older adult males responded positively to Senior WISE memory training, particularly in reducing anxiety and pain.
• Findings suggest that gender-tailored interventions, focusing on anxiety and pain, could enhance program efficacy and male participation.
• Further research into gender-specific approaches in geriatric interventions is warranted.