HOPE-Helping Older People Engage

Basic Study Information

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to compare two activities — reflecting on one’s past (called “life review”) and volunteering. We are interested in learning how these activities may improve social connectedness and well-being among adults age 60 and older. Additionally, we may ask questions about social distancing, so to that end this study is relevant to managing the psychosocial implications of COVID-19. Volunteering involves participate weekly in a flexible volunteer program with Lifespan. Volunteer activities can be done from your home, such as friendly calling. Life review involves participating in a one-year reminiscence program that is self-guided and involves completing monthly exercises such as writing about one’s memories.

Lead Researcher (Principal Investigator)

Lead Researcher:  Kimberly Van orden

Study Contact Information

Additional Study Details

Study Details:
You may be eligible for this study if you are age 60 or older and experience any of the following: feel like you lack companionship, feel left out, or feel isolated from others. Participation includes zoom or phone interviews at study start, 6 months and 12 months. There are multiple-choice and open-ended questions about your physical health, emotional health and sense of well-being. Online/mailed surveys are completed at 3 and 9 months. Participation in the study lasts one year and involves either volunteering (things that can be done at home like friendly calling) or life review throughout the year. Subjects are randomly assigned (flip of a coin) to either Life Review or Volunteering. All activities can be done from your home right now.

Number of Visits:  2 to 5
Parking:  Free
Transportation Coverage:  No

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