Development and feasibility of a digital intervention for common mental health problems among older adults

Research problem and specific questionsWorldwide increases in longevity and falling fertility rates have created significant demographic transformations in society. As a consequence, the proportion of older adults (defines as >65-years) in the world is greater than ever before.

We purport to develop an accessible, preventive intervention that can be delivered to older adults with early, subclinical/mild symptoms of varying forms of mental health problems.

When developed, it could be easily implemented in primary care, in geriatric clinics and all other sites frequented by older adults, whether in India or Sweden.Research questions are:Is the culturally adapted digital intervention Healthy Ageing with Mental Health safe and feasible to use among older adults in Sweden and India?What is the experience of older adults in Sweden and India using the digital intervention?What preliminary effect does the digital intervention have on outcomes (e.g. quality of life, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, alcohol use, somatic health)?Data and methodWe propose to develop and systematically evaluate the digital intervention Healthy Ageing with Mental Health which aims to provide psychoeducation and prevention of common mental health problems among older adults in Sweden and India.

Plan for project realisationThe intervention will be based on cognitive behavior therapy and consist of four weekly self-help modules focusing on 1) low mood 2) anxiety and somatic symptom preoccupation, 3) sleep and circadian rhythm and 4) addictive habits (including use of prescription medications).

Psychoeducation about the importance of physical activity, nutrition and how these may interact with mental health problems will be an integral part of the intervention, as will information about ageism.RelevanceThe intervention developed in this project will address not one but several common mental health problems among older adults.

The bilateral aspect of the project will provide further important insights into how digital interventions may be adapted to older adults in both collectivist and individualistic cultures, where one central difference is the view on older adults.