A Virtual Life Story Club Intervention to Improve Loneliness and Apathy in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study
Montefiore Medical Center
Summary
Reminiscence therapy is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological intervention that has been shown to improve cognition, mood, functional status, quality of life, and apathy in older adults. Group reminiscence therapy combines structured social engagement and recounting of personal stories that address both social connection (a risk factor for cognitive decline) and cognition. Life story club© (LSC) is an established, non-profit organization that provides virtual, group reminiscence therapy for older adults to reduce loneliness and promote a sense of belonging and has not been formally studied.
Description
The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of a LSC© intervention to improve loneliness and apathy in community-dwelling older adults. This pilot study will be conducted to compare loneliness and apathy in lonely individuals without dementia at baseline who receive a virtual group reminiscence therapy intervention (vGRT). The intervention will be delivered weekly over 12 weeks. Loneliness and apathy will be assessed before and after the intervention as described in the Outcome Measures section of this registration. Feasibility will be assessed using quantitative and qualitative m…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60 and over * English or Spanish fluency * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Dementia based on Aging and Dementia (AD8) score of ≥4 or previous dementia diagnosis * Severe auditory or visual loss * Lack of access to internet connection or phone
Interventions
- BehavioralLife Story Club
Virtual group reminiscence therapy will be provided by the Life Story Club©. Participants will meet virtually via Zoom© with their group (6-10 people) weekly for one hour over a 12-week period to exchange life stories and share in conversation. Groups will be conducted in entirely in English or Spanish, based on participant preference. Each week, the LSC© facilitator will guide the group with question prompts to encourage participants to share personal information, build friendships \& rapport, and create a sense of community. LSC© facilitators are trained in group interview techniques, technology management, and know how to respond appropriately to sensitive information that may emerge during group exchanges.
Location
- Montefiore Medical CenterThe Bronx, New York