Title : Lifefulness: Feasibility and acceptability of a self-guided digital mental health intervention for older adults in Sweden
Abstract:
Introduction
The number and proportion of older adults (≥65 years) is increasing worldwide, already exceeding 20% in Sweden. The growing number of older adults with concurrent physical and mental health issues poses a major challenge for healthcare, highlighting a critical need for scalable and accessible digital mental health interventions for older adults.
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, engagement and preliminary effectiveness of the digital intervention “Lifefulness” among older adults in Sweden.
Methods
The transdiagnostic digital self-help intervention Lifefulness was adapted for older adults and designed to promote behaviour change and mental health. Content was based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and healthy ageing principles. Older adults were recruited from the community (age range 65–85) and were assigned to the self-guided six-week intervention, requiring minimal clincal support consisiting of three brief phone interviews focusing on program adherence. Outcomes included program use and acceptability as well as preliminary effects on quality of life and mental health outcomes.
Results
A total of 73 individuals were included. Engagement was high, with 72% of participants using the intervention daily or several times per week throughout the intervention period, while requiring minimal staff time (mean 33 minutes of telephone support per participant). The program was associated with favourable changes in various mental health symptoms and higher ratings of quality of life and the participants reported high satisfaction and perceived credibility.
Discussion/Conclusion
These findings suggest that self-guided digital interventions may provide a scalable and acceptable approach for promoting mental health among older adults while requiring minimal clinical support. Further evaluation in randomized clinical trials is warranted.
