PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors)

University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center

Topics:
Aging | Mental Health

Minor depression affects between 15 to 20% of older adults. It is especially common among older adults who are socially isolated or in frail health. Doctors and their older patients may incorrectly assume that depression is an unavoidable consequence of aging; only about half of depressed older adults receive treatment. Depression profoundly affects the health and quality of life of seniors as well as their ability to live independently. Depressed older adults are less likely to follow their doctors’ treatment guidelines or engage in healthy practices to manage chronic health conditions.

In partnership with the City of Seattle’s Aging and Disability Services and Senior Services of Seattle/King County the center’s PEARLS program* aims to reduce minor depression and resulting disability among older adults by teaching them depression management techniques. It consists of eight in-home counseling sessions followed by monthly telephone calls for 6 months. The counseling covers three behavioral approaches to managing depression: 1) participants will be taught a set of steps they can use to solve their problems — from clearly defining the problem to implementing their chosen solution. These steps help participants recognize symptoms of depression and understand the link between unsolved problems and depression; 2) participants will be encouraged to meet recommended levels of social and physical activity by using community settings, such as senior centers, community centers, and faith communities; and 3) participants will be taught to identify and participate in personally pleasurable activities.

The researchers will evaluate the program’s effectiveness in reducing participants’ depressive symptoms, improving participants’ functional and emotional well-being, and reducing participant’s use of health care services.

Read story of prevention research for this project.

Read case study of this intervention.

 

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