Online positive-emotion program to support healthy aging
Emotional Well-being and Biomarkers of Healthy Aging
This trial tests an online positive-emotion skills program called PARK to see if it improves mood and biological signs of aging in adults aged 40–70.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT07334106 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial delivers PARK, a self-guided online positive psychology program teaching skills such as gratitude, mindful awareness, and self-compassion, and compares outcomes with a control group. Psychological measures (depression, anxiety, positive affect) and biological aging markers (DNA methylation GrimAge and ECG-age) plus cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal functioning will be measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Consent and many assessments are completed online via REDCap, while key biological and physiological measures require in-person visits to Northwestern’s Human Longevity Lab. The intervention is provided through BrightOutcome and includes weekly lessons, daily practice, and emotion check-ins.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 40–70 who live in the Chicagoland area, speak English, can use an online platform, and are willing to travel to the Human Longevity Lab for required in-person visits.
Not a fit: People with pre-existing coronary or cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, severe psychiatric illness, pregnant women, prisoners, other vulnerable populations, or those unable to consent or use the online platform are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve emotional well-being and slow markers of biological aging, offering a scalable way to support healthier aging.
How similar studies have performed: Prior positive psychology interventions have improved mood, resilience, and some health behaviors, but their effects on DNA methylation clocks and ECG-derived biological age remain largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40-70 * Speaks and reads English * Able to access the online platform through their phone, a public device (i.e., at the library) or at home. * Lives in the Chicagoland area * Willing/able to travel to the Human Longevity Lab for in-person visits Exclusion Criteria: * Adults unable to consent * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers) * Pregnant women * Prisoners * Vulnerable Populations * Pre-existing heart disease (prevalent coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease or heart failure) * Type 2 diabetes * Severe psychiatric illness
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Potocsnak Human Longevity Lab — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chelsea S Brown
- Email: chelsea.brown@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-3712
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.