Stress Management Training for Healthy Aging

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study is a two-arm randomized controlled trial comparing two 8-week stress management programs for reducing inflammation and improving well-being among older adults.

Detailed Description
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A growing body of literature has demonstrated how stress can affect social relationships, health, and well-being during the aging process. Here, the investigators will test how two different programs can be used to facilitate healthy aging by helping individuals manage stress. One program will teach participants mindfulness meditation techniques while the other will educate participants about how to manage their health. N=188 older adults will visit the study's central laboratory for a baseline visit and complete several days of daily experience sampling before being randomized into one of the two 8-week stress management programs. Participants will complete several days of daily experience sampling at the midpoint and conclusion of the intervention before returning to a study site to complete a follow-up assessment at both 1-week and 3-months after the end of the program. This project will provide important information about how each training program can be used to promote well-being, health, and better social functioning in older adults. This work will ultimately inform the design of more efficacious and efficient stress-management interventions to facilitate healthy aging.

Official Title
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Stress Management Training for Healthy Aging

Conditions
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Psychological Stress, Loneliness

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Mindfulness Training
* Behavioral: Health Education


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: English speaking Exclusion Criteria: [Exclusion criteria are masked from public viewing until data collection is complete. Please contact project managers.]

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years
Maximum Age: 93 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Mindfulness Training<br>The Mindfulness Meditation Program consists of eight weekly 2- 2.5 hour group sessions, a day-long retreat in the sixth week, and daily mindfulness meditation homework. | Behavioral: Mindfulness Training<br>* Guided mindfulness meditation and stress management training<br>|
| Active Comparator: Health Education<br>The Health Education Program also consists of eight weekly 2- 2.5 hour group sessions, a day-long retreat in the sixth week, and daily health practice homework | Behavioral: Health Education<br>* Guided health education and stress management training<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Circulating markers of inflammation, Interleukin-6 and C Reactive Protein | Measured via blood samples | Change from baseline to 1-week post-intervention and 3-month follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro-inflammatory gene expression |  | Change from baseline to 1-week post-intervention | 
| Self-reported relational distress | Evaluated using ecological momentary assessment | Change from Baseline to Intervention Weeks 4 and 8 | 
| Self-reported loneliness | Evaluated using UCLA loneliness scale and ecological momentary assessment | Change from baseline to 1-week post-intervention and 3-month follow-up |