Feasibility Trial Evaluation of a Peer Volunteering Active Aging Intervention: ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged)

Abstract

Background ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) is a theory-informed, pragmatic intervention using peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, inactive older adults. This study aimed to establish ACE’s feasibility and acceptability. Methods Fifty-four older adults were recruited as either peer volunteers (activators; n = 15) or participants (ACEs; n = 39). Participants were randomized to one-to-one support from an activator (ACEs-Intervention [ACEs-I]) or a waiting-list control group (ACEs-Control [ACEs-C]). Activators supported ACEs-I to get out more and engage with local activities. Objectively measured physical activity (PA), lower limb function, and number of out of house activities were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A mixed-methods process evaluation assessed changes in confidence to get out and about, social support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Results Eighty-two percent of ACEs (mean age = 73.7 years [SD 7.3]) and all activators completed assessments at both baseline and post-intervention (6 months). ACEs-I reported more out of house activities (M [SD] = 6.34 [4.15]). ACEs-I increased physical function post-intervention (M [SD] = 9.8 [2.3]). ACEs-I reported improved well-being and vitality and increased confidence to get out and about, confidence in the face of specific barriers, knowledge of local initiatives, and perceived social support post-intervention. Activators, although sufficiently active at baseline, increased their PA further. ACE was well-accepted and easy to deliver. Conclusions ACE is an acceptable and feasible intervention for helping socially disengaged older people to get out and about more, improve their confidence, and engage more with their community.

Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives

“…The Active, Connected, Engaged [ACE] study was a theory-informed, feasibility study which tested the use of peer volunteering support to promote active ageing in socially disengaged, physically inactive older adults [16,29]. In summary, 54 older adults were recruited into the ACE study as either peer volunteers (Activators; n=15) or participants (ACEs; n=39).…”

“…The University of Bath (EP 11/12 98) and the University of Birmingham (ERN_18-0877) Research Ethics Committees ethically approved the study. See detailed information on recruitment in [16,29].…”

“…We developed two interview guides, one for participants and one for peer volunteers and managers of volunteering organisations and initiatives [16,29] which explored six topical areas: Motives for peer volunteering, Benefits of peer volunteering, Skills and characteristics of a good peer-volunteer, Peer volunteering challenges, Peer-volunteer training needs, Recruitment and retention of peer-volunteers.…”

“…Citizens who contribute as volunteers can help by providing advice and assistance, or by organising and supporting engagement with activities to enhance health and wellbeing [14]. Peers can also be an excellent source of motivation and social support for older adults [15][16][17]. From a theoretical perspective, both social cognitive theory [18] and self-determination theory [19] suggest that peer volunteers can enhance the self-efficacy of participants through modelling (e.g., seeing others cope with barriers to active ageing), verbal encouragement, reduction in perceived barriers and increase levels of social support and connectedness.…”

A volunteer-supported walking programme to improve physical function in older people (the POWER Study): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…In addition, the sample was relatively fit and lacked older individuals with mild and moderate limitations [ 10 ]. Another pilot study showed that a combination of initial motivation by a peer volunteer and subsequent activity such as walking in groups, yoga or dancing led to behavioural changes in older people and improved physical activity [ 11 ].…”