Remote Evidence-Based Programs for Health Promotion to Support Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond:...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Evidence-based programs (EBPs) traditionally serve older adults in community settings.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to remote delivery for these health promotion programs.
• The effectiveness of remote EBP delivery for older adults remains less understood compared to in-person models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in health and well-being among older adults participating in remote EBPs.
• To assess the effectiveness and adoption of remote EBP delivery using a mixed-methods approach.
• To examine outcomes across diverse older adult populations and delivery modes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) for equity framework.
• Included 5 diverse EBPs (self-management, falls prevention, physical activity) delivered via videoconferencing, telephone, or mailed materials.
• Collected quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (interviews) data from participants and providers, analyzing changes from enrollment to 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• 586 older adults, 198 providers, and 37 organizations participated; 289 older adults completed follow-up.
• Participants reported significant improvements in health, energy, sleep, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and reduced technology anxiety.
• 75% of providers maintained program effectiveness with remote delivery; participants noted reduced isolation and better access.

Conclusions:

• Remote EBPs demonstrate potential to improve health, social, and technological outcomes for older adults.
• Findings support remote EBP delivery as a viable model for health promotion, enhancing accessibility.
• Policy and practice should support remote EBP delivery to broaden reach to all older adults.