ADVANCE is piloting SH+ combined with cognitive training for the first time in older adults without a migration background in Switzerland, promoting healthy aging.
Older Adults
Living in a highly developed country like Switzerland does not protect older adults from challenges related to mental and cognitive health. Biological ageing, psychological stress, socioeconomic inequalities, and possible social isolation can all negatively affect well-being in later life. Mental health does not only mean the absence of mental illness, but also includes emotional well-being, resilience, and the ability to cope with stress, while cognitive health refers to abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Both are essential for maintaining independence, autonomy, and quality of life in older age. They are also closely connected: good mental health can protect thinking abilities, and strong cognitive health can support confidence, coping, and social participation. For this reason, designing interventions that strengthen both of these central aspects of health in a diverse older population is crucial.
Our project focuses on promoting mental and cognitive health together. While many existing programs address either mental or cognitive health, only few consider how these two domains interact or how combined approaches could be more effective and more closely tailored to individual needs.
We aim to develop and evaluate interventions that work in everyday life. This means they should be practical, scalable, and adaptable, support the development of healthy habits, and be accessible to a wide range of older adults. At the same time, we strive to reduce barriers such as stigma, limited resources, or accessibility issues, so that as many people as possible can benefit from them.
Stress management and cognitive training for seniors
ADVANCE evaluates a training program that combines two complementary components. One is the WHO-developed stress management program Self-Help Plus (SH+), based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The other is a cognitive training program that targets lifestyle factors and supports sustainable behavior change. Together, these components aim to strengthen both mental and cognitive health in older adults.
Feasibility Study – first results
In 2025, the first versions of the program were successfully tested. On average, participants rated the program 4 out of 5 points and reported noticeable improvements in their well-being, mental fitness, stress management, and lifestyle. These subjective experiences were supported by objective measurements showing improvements in cognitive performance, lifestyle behaviors, and mental health.
Voices from our feasibility study
“I found the exchange of ideas and feelings with people of a similar age to mine very interesting. It helped me position myself in relation to others as an older person.”
“Better stress management has improved my sense of well-being and has given me hope that it is possible to be a bit happier.”
“The exchanges with people who have different life experiences enriched my view of how to age well.”
“Overall, I became aware of the gaps that I need to work on.”
Join the study
Help us test and further develop our program. We are looking for partners, facilitators, and participants across Switzerland.
More information from CIGEV
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).
