Civic engagement for older adults with functional limitations: piloting an intervention for adult day health participants.

PURPOSE

Past research has demonstrated the importance of civic engagement for older adults, yet previous studies have not focused specifically on the potential benefits of civic engagement for older adults with functional limitations. This pilot study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention designed to promote civic engagement in this growing and often overlooked population.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A convenience sample was recruited from 2 adult day health centers (N = 43). A multicomponent intervention was implemented comprising education, service, and recognition phases. Using a nonequivalent switching replications design, researchers compared participants receiving the civic engagement intervention with participants receiving treatment as usual.

RESULTS

In terms of feasibility, the intervention was unproblematic and amenable to this population; however, challenges existed in data collection. Participants receiving the intervention reported higher, yet nonsignificant, levels of purpose in life, self-esteem, and perceived physical health when compared with those in the control group. However, 5 weeks following the withdrawal of the intervention, participants reported a significant decrease in self-esteem and perceived physical health.

IMPLICATIONS

Civic engagement interventions appear to be quite feasible and possibly beneficial for older adults with physical and cognitive limitations, such as those enrolled in adult day health programs. Future studies should examine the nature and amount of engagement needed to maximize the benefits of such interventions.