Effects of a Multiple-Intervention Program on the Depressive Tendencies, Social Support, and Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Taiwan

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multiple-intervention program (MIP) on the life satisfaction, social support, and depressive tendencies of older adults.

Design: A cross-sectional, pretest-posttest design involving a questionnaire survey was adopted.

Methods: Thirty-seven older adults were recruited from 2 daycare centers for an 8-week MIP comprising 60-min sessions conducted once a week. The questionnaire comprised the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Short Form-15 (GDS-SF15), Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and Inventory of Social Support Scale (ISSB).

Findings: The participants' average GDS-SF15 score decreased considerably (by 35.3%), their average ISSB score increased from 61.9% to 80.9%, and their average LSS score increased from 48% to 64%.

Conclusions: The outcomes for depressive tendencies, social support, and life satisfaction were measured before and after the intervention, and the participants successfully engaged in the MIP throughout its duration and exhibited improvement. The MIP can serve as a basis for planning group activities for older adults.

Clinical Evidence: The MIP benefits older adults at daycare centers. Incorporating multiple activities into daily care can help increase the diversity, uniqueness, and innovativeness of a daycare center.