Two new studies demonstrate how community-based group learning experiences can significantly improve older adults’ active aging and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors by combining practical health education with meaningful social interaction.

The first study, published in BMC Geriatrics, enrolled 80 older adults from daycare centers in Iran. The intervention group participated in an eight-session communication and social skills training program, while the control group received routine care and was placed on a waiting list. Researchers divided participants into groups of 20 for twice-weekly, two-hour sessions covering topics like effective communication techniques, intergenerational activities and basic digital skills training using WhatsApp and Telegram.

According to the study authors, “training in communication and social skills led to a significant increase in the total score of active aging” compared to a control group that received routine care and was wait-listed for training. Active aging, as measured by the Iranian Active Aging Measurement Instrument, encompasses six areas: mindfulness, active insight, physical-functional dynamics (maintaining physical capabilities), interactionism (social engagement), role-playing, and social participation.

The intervention group showed improvements across all measured dimensions, with participants moving from “relatively favorable” to “favorable” active aging status. The researchers noted that activities like storytelling sessions with children and mentoring younger generations helped participants “assert identity, express themselves, and reinforce intergenerational ties.”

Lifestyle education program improves multiple health behaviors

A second study, published in BMC Public Health, examined whether educational programs that used multiple teaching methods could improve lifestyle behaviors among 118 elderly participants from health service centers in Qom, Iran. The intervention group attended eight 30-minute sessions covering nutrition, physical activity, stress management and mental health.

The study measured six lifestyle components using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, including health responsibility (actively engaging in behaviors that enhance well-being), physical activity, nutrition, stress management, interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth and self-actualization.

The authors concluded that “the educational intervention had a positive effect on all six dimensions of lifestyle-related behaviors among the elderly,” with participants showing measurable improvements in areas ranging from nutritional knowledge to stress-coping techniques.

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