Older Adults

As the global population ages, the demographics are shifting significantly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated one in six individuals worldwide will be aged 60 or over by 2030. Older adults, typically defined as those aged 65 and above, experience a range of physical and cognitive changes, with varying health and mobility levels. Social and emotional adjustments, such as adapting to retirement and evolving social networks, are also key aspects of their lives.

Older adults at risk of cognitive decline

Ageing in highly developed countries like Switzerland does not protect individuals from the vulnerabilities associated with declining mental health and cognitive functioning. The interplay of biological ageing, psychological stress, socioeconomic inequality, and potential social isolation can all negatively impact an older adult's mental and cognitive health. Therefore, designing interventions to stabilize and enhance those two central health aspects in such a diverse population is crucial.

ADVANCE will conduct a 2x2 factorial, hybrid efficacy-effectiveness trial with older adults in Switzerland based on existing evidence for Self Help Plus (SH+) and cognitive training programs (COG). SH+ has not been evaluated with non-migrant older adults. At the same time, interventions that combine stress management and cognitive training have not been rigorously tested yet. ADVANCE aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined SH+ and COG intervention, compared to either alone. 

Meet the team in Switzerland

Interventions to be studied

Self Help Plus (SH+)

SH+ is WHO’s 5-session stress management course for large groups of up to 30 people that uses pre-recorded audio and an illustrated guide to teach stress management skill.

Woman presenting using sticky notes on a white board
This work package has received funding from both the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and the EU Horizon Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101080323 (2023-2028).

Logo of the EU and SERI