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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Study protocol

Individualized counselling for active aging: protocol of a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial among older people (the AGNES intervention study)

Authors: Taina Rantanen, Katja Pynnönen, Milla Saajanaho, Sini Siltanen, Laura Karavirta, Katja Kokko, Anu Karvonen, Markku Kauppinen, Timo Rantalainen, Merja Rantakokko, Erja Portegijs, Mary Hassandra

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Active aging has been established as a policy goal for aging societies. We define active aging at the individual level as striving for elements of well-being through activities in relation to a person’s goals, functional capacities and opportunities. Increasing evidence suggests that any meaningful activity is beneficial for different aspects of well-being in older people. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial is to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a one-year community-based intervention on active aging. The AGNES intervention aims at increasing older peoples’ participation in self-selected valued activities.

Methods

The proposed study is a two-arm single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The intervention group receives individually tailored counselling for an active life (one face-to-face session, four phone calls and supportive written material) and the control group written general health information only. Two hundred older adults aged 75- and 80- year old, with intermediate mobility function and without cognitive impairment, living independently in the municipality of Jyväskylä, Finland, are recruited and randomized with a 1:1 allocation to the intervention and control group. Randomization is computer-generated stratified by sex and age. The primary outcome is active aging and secondary outcomes are well-being, depressive symptoms, quality of life, personal goals, mobility and physical activity. Measures are administered at pre-trial, mid-trial (at 6 months) and post-trial (12 months after baseline).

Discussion

The AGNES intervention study will provide new knowledge on the effects of individualized counselling on active aging and the potential of older people to promote their own well-being.

Trial registration

The trial is registered at ISRCTN - ISRCTN16172390: Promoting well-being through active aging.
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Metadata
Title
Individualized counselling for active aging: protocol of a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial among older people (the AGNES intervention study)
Authors
Taina Rantanen
Katja Pynnönen
Milla Saajanaho
Sini Siltanen
Laura Karavirta
Katja Kokko
Anu Karvonen
Markku Kauppinen
Timo Rantalainen
Merja Rantakokko
Erja Portegijs
Mary Hassandra
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-018-1012-z

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