Extrait

Background and study aims Older people form an increasingly large group within our society. Living longer brings a greater risk of physical and mental decline and loneliness, and a greater need for care and support. There is also a greater risk of developing age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Because of this, we urgently need to find ways of promoting good health in later life, and preventing, delaying or reducing the impact of age-related disability. This is essential if older people are to enjoy a good quality of life and remain independent for as long as possible. Lifestyle choices appear to influence well-being in old age. People who engage in plenty of mental, physical and social activity tend to have better well-being and remain independent for longer. Unfortunately, many older people are mentally and physically under-active and socially isolated. This suggests that we need to encourage lasting behaviour change. People are more likely to alter their behaviour if they have support from others and access to facilities and resources. Who can participate? All indioviduals aged over 50 and attending the AgeWell centre What does the study involve? Those who agree to take part will be allocated randomly to have one of three types of interview. One will involve a general chat about the centre. The second will focus on goal-setting, working with the person to identify up to five areas where they would like to make changes and devising a plan to achieve these goals. The third will be similar to the second but participants will also receive a mentoring phone call every two months. After a year, we will find out how much the three groups have increased their levels of mental and physical activity, and compare the effects of the different types of interview. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants will receive a health check and individualised health advice, and will have the opportunity to talk about how to get the most out of taking part in the Centre. By taking part people will be contributing to a research project which has made it possible to open the AgeWell Centre in Nefyn, and participation will help us to understand more about how to improve well-being for other over 50s in the future. We do not think there are any risks associated with taking part. Once the study has been completed we will provide everyone who took part with information about the findings. The findings will be used to inform policy makers and service providers about ways of improving well-being in later life. They will also provide a basis for developing a larger study in which we will follow up the participants for a number of years to find out whether changes in behaviour result in greater well-being and help to reduce the impact of age-related disability and disease. Where is the study run from? Resource centre for over 50s in Nefyn, North Wales When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study will commenced in November 2011 and we expect to complete the study towards the end of 2013 Who is funding the study? This research study is being undertaken as a partnership between Bangor University and Age Concern Gwynedd a Môn, and is funded by the Medical Research Council as part of the Life-long Health and Well-being initiative. Who is the main contact? Professor Linda Clare [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Healthy ageing

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp