Using volunteers to help seniors with depression through increased activity
2/3 Lay-delivered Behavioral Activation in Senior Centers
This study is testing a friendly program called 'Do More, Feel Better' that helps older adults with depression by encouraging them to be more active, and it’s being delivered by trained volunteers instead of professionals to see if it works just as well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10989931 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a simplified approach to Behavioral Activation (BA) for seniors suffering from depression, utilizing trained lay volunteers to deliver the intervention. The program, called 'Do More, Feel Better' (DMFB), aims to engage older adults in increased physical activity as a means to alleviate depressive symptoms. By comparing the effectiveness of this lay-delivered model to traditional professional delivery methods, the study seeks to determine if similar clinical outcomes can be achieved. Participants will include older adults who exhibit elevated depressive symptoms, and the trial will assess both activity levels and depression severity over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 60 and above who are experiencing elevated depressive symptoms but are not diagnosed with psychosis or dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing depressive symptoms or those with significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a sustainable and effective way to reduce depression among seniors by increasing their activity levels.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that behavioral activation can be effective in treating depression, but this specific approach using lay volunteers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sirey, Jo Anne — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Sirey, Jo Anne
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.