Well-Being Outcomes from the Delivery of RASCALs, a Group Activity Intervention Using Nature-Focused Livestream Broadcasts

Abstract

Group activities and connection with nature are associated with improved well-being for older adults. This quasi-experiment tests the effectiveness of RASCALs, an innovative program of group activities using nature-focused livestream broadcasts. Assisted living residents in the experimental group ( n = 16) lived in buildings that received RASCALs programming twice a week for 3 months. Compared to residents in the comparison group ( n = 17) who received regular group activity programming, they experienced significant positive change in the Positive Relations with Others domain of well-being (β = .873, p = .008). Combining nature-focused livestream broadcasts with groups activities for older adults in assisted living communities may be an innovative and effective way to overcome barriers to accessing nature and improve residents’ well-being.