1. Lighten UP! A Community-Based Group Intervention to Promote Eudaimonic Well-Being in Older Adults: A Multi-Site Replication with 6 Month Follow-Up.
- Author
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Friedman EM, Ruini C, Foy CR MS, Jaros L, Love G, and Ryff CD
- Subjects
- Aged, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Geriatric Assessment methods, Hostility, Humans, Male, Mental Health trends, Physical Fitness psychology, Psychology, Positive methods, Quality of Life, Social Conditions classification, Wisconsin epidemiology, Anxiety psychology, Depression psychology, Healthy Aging psychology, Residence Characteristics statistics & numerical data, Social Conditions statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Objectives : Eudaimonic well-being (EWB), increasingly recognized as a critical component of health, typically declines in later life, and there are no existing programs to sustain or increase EWB in older adults. Lighten UP! is an 8-week program to promote EWB through facilitated group sessions in community settings and at-home practice. Building on earlier pilot research, the current study assessed the effect of the Lighten UP! Program using a longitudinal, multi-site design. Methods : Men and women (N = 169) aged 60 and over were recruited from three Wisconsin communities. EWB, life satisfaction, depression, and diverse aspects of health were assessed before and after the program and at 6-month follow up. Results : Participants reported significantly increased EWB; these changes were maintained 6 months later. The specific EWB domains of self-acceptance, positive relations, and personal growth showed the most robust gains. Participants also showed significant and sustained declines in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and hostility. Conclusions : Lighten UP! Program confirmed its positive effects for enhancing EWB in older adults living in multiple community settings. Clinical Implications : Programs that sustain or enhance EWB in older adults can be expected to yield improvements in diverse aspects of mental and physical health.
- Published
- 2019
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