Empowering Socially Vulnerable Older Adults: The AHAA Project's Holistic Health Literacy Approach

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:	European Journal of Public Health vol. 35, no. Supplement_4 (Oct 2025)
Autor principal:	Vanderlinden, J
Otros Autores:	Lambers, S, Van Rampelberg, S, Verschelden, P J
Publicado:	Oxford University Press
Materias:	Physical fitness Psychology Health promotion Exercise Physical activity Literacy Behavior Nutrition Mental health services Well being Older people Sleep Motivation Evaluation Intervention Health education Health literacy Disadvantaged Needs analysis Ownership Tracking devices Adults Empowerment Lifestyles Target groups Changes Social interactions Social support Behavior modification Stress management Health status Vulnerability Health initiatives Trainers Needs assessment Creation process Behavior change Health behavior Preventive medicine Psychological assessment Community-based programs Alternative approaches Access Educational programs Positive psychology Stress Health care policy Groups Social
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Descripción
Resumen:	Background The ‘Active and Healthy Ageing for All’ (AHAA) project, initiated by Odisee University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, aims to enhance the health literacy of home-dwelling older adults. This project addresses the need for tailored health education programs for socially disadvantaged older adults, who are often underserved by conventional preventive health initiatives. The AHAA project began in 2019, focusing initially on nutrition and physical activity, and later expanding to include sleep, stress management, motivation, and positive psychology. The program was developed through a needs assessment and co-creation with the target group and partners, ensuring relevance and accessibility. Methods The AHAA project utilized a comprehensive approach involving needs assessment, co-creation with target groups, pilot testing, and implementation across six partner organizations. The program included ten weekly group sessions covering nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, motivation, and positive psychology. Evaluation was conducted using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and activity trackers to measure changes in health literacy and lifestyle behaviors. Results Preliminary results indicate improvements in participants’ health literacy and lifestyle behaviors. The group-based approach fostered social support and engagement, which were crucial for sustaining behavior changes. A trainers’ manual was developed, implemented and evaluated in practice. Discussion and Conclusions The AHAA project demonstrates the potential of tailored, community-based interventions to improve health outcomes among vulnerable older adults. The co-creation process and the focus on holistic health were key to the program's success. Future efforts should aim to expand the program's reach and explore long-term impacts on participants’ health and well-being. Key messages • The AHAA project enhances health literacy and lifestyle behaviors among socially vulnerable older adults through a comprehensive, co-created program focusing on holistic health. • The AHAA project empowers socially vulnerable older adults through co-creation, fostering ownership and engagement crucial for sustaining health improvements and lifestyle changes.
ISSN:	1101-1262 1464-360X
DOI:	10.1093/eurpub/ckaf161.1534
Fuente:	ABI/INFORM Global