Lifefulness - feasibility and acceptability of a self-guided digital intervention promoting mental health among older adults in Sweden.

BACKGROUND

The number and proportion of older adults (≥65 years) is increasing worldwide, already exceeding 20% in Sweden. The growing number of older adults with concurrent physical and mental health issues, pose a major challenge for healthcare, rendering a critical need for low-cost, easily accessible behavioural interventions.

METHODS

This single-group feasibility trial evaluated a transdiagnostic digital self-help intervention, "Lifefulness", specifically adapted for older adults and designed to promote behaviour change and mental health. Content was based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and healthy ageing principles. Older adults were recruited from the community (age range 65-85) and were assigned to the six week intervention, which included three brief phone interviews focusing on program adherence. Outcomes included program use and acceptability as well as preliminary effects on quality of life and mental health outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 73 individuals were included. Program utility was high on average, with 72% of participants engaging with the intervention daily or several times a week. The average time spent on the three interviews was 33 min per participant. The program was associated with favourable changes in various mental health symptoms and higher ratings of quality of life and the participants reported high satisfaction and credibility.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the feasibility and resource-efficiency of a digital self-help intervention for older adults. The intervention warrants further testing in a randomized trial with long-term follow-up assessments of both outcomes and healthcare consumption.