Models of older adult group engagement to improve health management

Abstract We are studying the use of peer-to-peer group intervention as a means of promoting older adult health self-efficacy and self-management. To explore how older adults have worked together to improve health behaviors, a scoping review was conducted of older adult peer coaching in health maintenance or health improvement groups. Seventeen studies met all search criteria, including interventions examining the value of peer support in self-management of diabetes, a peer led program for fear of falling, and the effect of self-help groups on quality of life. Two models of peer engagement were identified: peer support and mutually supportive environments. Ten studies trained older adults to be peer mentors or leaders with training periods varying from two days to 30 weeks, although many did not include details of the training. The other seven studies examined mutually supportive environments for peer engagement such as a clinician-led with peer-support model, an app-based program with a social support component, and a prevention focused mutual support group. These studies included research comparing self-care and quality of life results after self-help group therapy and a study that analyzed the impact and role of volunteering at a seniors’ centre on maximizing member self-efficacy. While all studies reported on peer self-health engagement, there were many different goals ranging from evaluating health improvement programs to comparing peer and professional health group leadership. One consistent theme was improved perceived self-efficacy though peer group engagement.