Development of a Novel Behavioural Intervention to Improve Emotional Well-Being in Older Adults

What is the study about?

This study looks at whether older adults can reduce stress levels by participating in a novel intervention that involves breathing techniques done at home. The effectiveness of these breathing techniques will be assessed by measuring stress levels and mood, as well as heart rate and rhythms using an electrocardiogram (EKG).

 

Eligibility- Who can participate?

Participants must:

• Be 65 years of age or older
• Have thinking and memory within a normal range
• Experience high levels of stress

Time requirement

The study is approximately 9 weeks long. The first visit is a 1.5-2 hour screening session that includes a medical assessment and mood questionnaires. At the next visit, participants will complete memory assessment and heart rate monitoring using EKG. In addition, they will be trained on the breathing techniques that they will practice daily at home for the next 8 weeks. After the 8-week treatment period, they will return to Baycrest to repeat the same mood, memory and heart rate assessments that were conducted before the start of the treatment.

 

TDRA study investigator

Dr. Linda Mah

 

More information

 

TDRA Site:

Baycrest

Address: 3560 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2E1

Age Group:

65 - 69, 70 - 80, 81 - 85, 86 - 90, 91+

Target Population:

Healthy volunteer