Helping older veterans stay independent and active
Official title: Development and Feasibility of a Behavioral Activation Intervention to Support Independence in Older Veterans at Risk for Functional Decline
Funded at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital · NIH-10977067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new online program called ACTIVaTE to help older veterans stay active and engaged in daily life, focusing on improving their mental and physical well-being over six weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bedford, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003930-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who are at risk for functional decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not have any risk factors for functional decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a telehealth program called ACTIVaTE, which aims to help older veterans maintain their independence and engage in meaningful daily activities. The program is based on behavioral activation, a therapy designed to improve mental health by encouraging participation in activities that align with personal values. Over six weeks, participants will receive support to enhance their physical, cognitive, and social functioning, particularly those at risk for functional decline. The intervention will be tailored for veterans aged 65 and older who are enrolled in VA primary care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help older veterans maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavioral activation can be effective in improving mental health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach in older veterans.
Where this research is happening
-
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
Bedford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennedy, Meaghan a. — Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kennedy, Meaghan a.
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A brief values-based approach to helping Veterans stay engaged in early buprenorphine treatment
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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.