Protocol for the Development and Evaluation of Elderly Active & Connected: An Integral Neighbourhood-oriented Approach to Support Healthy Ageing in Low Socioeconomic Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract Background The rapid ageing of our society poses significant challenges, including an increase in chronic diseases and loneliness among older adults, leading to higher demands for care and support. An integral approach can potentially address the complex support needs of older adults, particularly those in a low socioeconomic position (SEP). For this purpose, we developed Elderly Active & Connected (EAC), a neighbourhood-oriented integral approach focused on supporting healthy ageing in low-SEP older adults. This article outlines EAC’s development process, involving co-creation and a protocol to assess its efficacy. Methods The current study employed the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, a systematic six-step framework, to develop EAC. The development prioritised co-creation to understand better and align with the needs of low-SEP older adults. This collaboration involved municipalities, local stakeholders, and low-SEP older adults, informing various stages of EAC’s development. To address the multidimensional nature of healthy ageing, EAC focuses on increasing physical activity, strengthening social connectedness, and improving digital literacy. Building on the proven-effective Active Plus physical activity intervention, EAC extends its scope by incorporating additional holistic and neighbourhood-oriented strategies for support. EAC’s performance and change objectives were established, integrating existing Active Plus elements and new objectives derived from literature and a needs assessment. Theoretical methods and practical applications were identified, supplemented by strategies informed by co-creation. Intervention materials were adjusted and improved to align with EAC’s methodologies, incorporating linguistic revisions and the involvement of neighbourhood ambassadors. As a final step, a randomised controlled trial will evaluate EAC’s impact on physical activity, loneliness, social cohesion, health-related quality of life, and digital literacy. This trial will focus on community-dwelling older adults living in both rural and (heavily) urbanised neighbourhoods. This comprehensive evaluation employs various assessments, such as questionnaires and discussions, to provide a nuanced understanding of the intervention’s effectiveness. Discussion The EAC intervention, building on Active Plus, shows promise in addressing ageing-related risk factors. Pending a large-scale randomised controlled trial, EAC’s effectiveness may guide future strategies for the integral promotion of public health in vulnerable populations. Trial registry This study was prospectively registered at the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN17170098; November 10, 2022).