Non-Exercise-Based Interventions to Support Healthy Aging in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Healthy aging is a multidimensional construct, where various factors play a role in influencing well-being in older age. Many studies heavily emphasize the importance of physical activity, negating other aspects such as psychosocial or cognitive influences. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-exercise-based interventions on the quality of life (QoL) and life satisfaction of community-dwelling, healthy older adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched from inception. Three independent reviewers screened the articles and appraised the risk of bias. Data relating to study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were extracted. The mean difference and standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesized to pool effect sizes. Outcomes that could not be included in the meta-analysis were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

Thirty-six articles from 35 randomized controlled trials, involving 6,127 older adults, were included. Most were multicomponent interventions and involved supporting lifelong learning. Most participants were females (70.2%). Pooled analyses revealed small but statistically significant effects on overall QoL (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.26, CI: 0.00 to 0.53), and QoL subscales relating to mental health and psychological well-being (SMD = 0.26, CI: 0.12 to 0.41) and environment (SMD = 0.31, CI: 0.03 to 0.58). Effects on social health and functioning, and role functioning related to physical health were marginal. There were no improvements in other subscales. Results revealed nonstatistically significant improvements in life satisfaction.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Multicomponent non-exercise-based interventions that support lifelong learning in older adults can support healthy aging, particularly in improving overall QoL, and mental health, social health, and environment QoL subscales.