Helping older adults stay active and emotionally well with community health workers
Improving Physical and Psychosocial Functioning in Older Adults: A Community Health Worker-Led Intervention
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11094825
This project uses phone-based group sessions, podcasts, and activity trackers led by community health workers to help older adults rebuild physical activity and emotional resilience.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11094825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would work with community health workers from the Detroit Health Department who lead group phone sessions, share an asynchronous podcast series, and support use of activity trackers to boost movement and coping skills. The program, called RESET, focuses on self-management, resilience, and social support to prevent declines after stressful life events. Participants' physical and psychosocial function are followed at 2 months and 8 months to see how they change. A pilot version called Positive STEPS has already been delivered by CHWs with high fidelity and good acceptability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults experiencing recent stress, reduced activity, or social isolation—especially people served by the Detroit Health Department—are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with severe dementia, unstable medical conditions requiring immediate clinical care, or those unable to use a phone or activity tracker may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help older adults maintain or improve mobility, daily functioning, and emotional wellbeing through accessible community-based support.
How similar studies have performed: A pilot CHW-led program (Positive STEPS) has been well-received and shown promising post-program outcomes, although larger trials are needed to confirm benefits.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JANEVIC, MARY ROSE — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: JANEVIC, MARY ROSE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.