Introduction: There are over 11,000 senior centers in the U.S., providing activity programs, health education, meal services, and social gatherings for older adults. The Delaware’s Division of Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities provided mini grants to 16 senior centers to implement health promotion programs, such as exercise classes, art classes, and Bingocize amongst others. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) examine the impact of senior center programs on mental health outcomes and (2) whether the type of program (i.e., arts, physical activity, nutrition) participated in would be related to the changes in mental health outcomes.
Methods: Matched participant data from 14 senior centers in Delaware was examined. The program or activity directors of each center administered pre and post program surveys to participants in their own sites. Perceived mental health (SF-12), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and quality of life (Satisfaction with Life Scale) were assessed in all program participants. 567 participants (age: 73 ± 9yrs; 62.3% female) completed center specific health promotion programs which were categorized as “Educational Enrichment, Culture, and Support” (n = 155), “Nutrition” (n = 111), “Physical Fitness” (n = 301). Results were analyzed by program type to examine which program type may yield the greatest benefits.
Statistical analysis was run using SPSS, normality was assessed and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and Kruskal-Wallis Tests were performed to determine pre- and post- program differences for the cohort as well as between activity types.
Results: Perceived mental health (pre 72.0 ± 16.5 v. post 76.8 ± 15.5) was significantly (p<0.001) improved, however no changes in quality of life (pre 25.5 ± 6.8 v. post 26.1 ± 6.8; p = 0.31) or loneliness (pre 3.9 ± 1.4 v. post 4.0 ± 1.4; p = 0.29) were found. There was no relation between the changes in perceived mental health, quality of life, or loneliness in relation to the type of program attended.
Discussion: Our findings indicate that specific senior center program participation of any kind may be related to improvements in perceived mental health, but not changes in loneliness or quality of life. Further research is needed to understand determinants of effective senior center programs on mental health outcomes in older adults.
The present study was funded by the Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of
Services for Aging and Adults with Disabilities.