An Effectiveness Evaluation for Pathway to Healthy Aging (Path-HA) Care on Health Status of Older Adults

An Effectiveness Evaluation for Pathway to Healthy Aging (Path-HA) Care on Health Status of Older Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to provide a scientific evaluation on the effects of a protocol-driven Pathway to Healthy Aging (Path-HA) Program on promoting the health-related quality of life and functional abilities of older adults who are at risk of accelerated aging in the community. Participants will be randomized to one of the two study arms: 1) the intervention group to receive a 14-week Path-HA care intervention; and 2) the control group with no Path-HA care intervention.

This assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of the Pathway to Healthy Aging Program, which is based on the WHO ICOPE model, on the promotion of the health-related quality of life (primary outcome) as well as functional abilities (secondary outcomes) as defined by the WHO-ICOPE among community-dwelling older adults with accelerated aging. Six health domains including locomotor function, vitality, psychological function, cognitive function, social functions, and overall health-related quality of life are measured. A total of 1000 participants will be recruited. Outcome evaluation takes place at baseline, upon the completion of the care program, and at 6 months thereafter to allow the detection of long-term program benefits. In-depth individual interviews will be conducted to solicit the participants' experience and perceived benefits of the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) aged 60 or above,
• 2) with at least two risk factors of accelerating aging defined as including reduced physical functioning, malnutrition, depressed mood, loneliness, poor health perception, and presence of geriatric symptoms (e.g. insomnia, pain, etc), based on their health screening results,
• 3) community-dwelling,
• 4) communicable to engage in health education activity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) any who is not at or at only one risk factor of accelerating aging,
• 2) any who has problems in communicating with the research team.