Promoting resilience and flourishing among older adult residents in community living: A feasibility study

The Stress Management and Relaxation Training-Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (SMART-3RP) is a mind-body group intervention which integrates relaxation training with cognitive-behavioral and positive psychology techniques. This study assessed SMART-3RP feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy for enhancing resilience and flourishing among older adults in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). We conducted a prospective single-arm study of SMART-3RP groups delivered by clinicians at four CCRCs (n=80). Eligible residents lived in community apartment. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. We evaluated attendance (hypothesis: ≥ 60% attend ≥ 6 of 9 sessions), enrollment and retention. Mixed methods were used to explore acceptability. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to explore changes in resilience, flourishing and key intervention targets. From March-June 2021, we screened 89 residents with 87 (98%) consenting to participate and 80 (90%) enrolling in the study. Among 80 participants (85% female; 98% non-Hispanic White; M age=80 years [SD=6]), 88% attended ≥6 sessions, and 89% completed the post-intervention survey. Participants found meaning in participation and practiced skills in the context of challenges such as caregiving burden or bereavement. Survey results, showing increases in resilience, flourishing and several intervention targets, aligned with participants' perceived intervention value. SMART-3RP was feasible and acceptable for CCRC residents; participants perceived value in practicing mind-body strategies in a group-based setting. Preliminary evidence suggested a pattern of improvements in resilience, flourishing and intervention targets. Findings provide insights for mind-body interventions and recommendations for adaptations to late-in-life concerns and community settings.