Testing a frailty prevention program for older men during COVID-19: A 2-year mixed-methods pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Frailty is a common aging syndrome characterized by declining function.
• Preventive measures are effective as frailty is often reversible and improvable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a frailty prevention program for older men.
• To assess the program's components: face-to-face meetings and a social mobile application.
• To examine the impact of COVID-19 social isolation on program implementation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study with a single-group pre-test/post-test design.
• 11 male participants aged 65+ in Japanese cities.
• Outcome measures: frailty, loneliness, grip strength, step count, mental health; process evaluation via semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• Grip strength decreased post-intervention; other outcomes showed no significant negative changes.
• Participant experiences included "Cooperation with researchers," "Greater health awareness," and "Interest in newness."
• Challenges noted: "Hesitation over active engagement" and maintaining "Relationships that do not breach personal boundaries."

Conclusions:

• The program successfully maintained participants' mental health despite COVID-19.
• Information and communication technology (ICT) is useful for supporting older men's social activities.
• Frailty prevention programs should incorporate stimulating content on "health" and "newness" for older men.