Social Prescribing Intervention for Health Promotion in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study evaluates the effects of a social prescribing intervention on health promotion in community-dwelling older adults. The intervention combines 2 structured components delivered sequentially: a 4-week mindfulness meditation program followed by a 12-week walking-pole exercise program. The study is based on the concept that a combined mind-body and community-based intervention may improve both physical and psychological health and support healthy aging.

The study uses a prospective, single-group repeated-measures design. All enrolled participants receive the same 16-week intervention in community settings. The first phase consists of weekly group-based mindfulness meditation sessions designed to promote breathing awareness, relaxation, body awareness, emotional regulation, and positive psychological well-being. Participants are also encouraged to practice at home with guided audio support. The second phase consists of weekly group-based walking-pole exercise sessions focused on safe physical activity, strength, balance, mobility, and broader health promotion topics relevant to older adults.

The sequential design is intended to first establish psychological readiness and self-regulation and then build on this foundation through structured exercise. The investigators expect that the mindfulness phase may improve relaxation, emotional well-being, sleep, and self-regulation, while the walking-pole phase may improve physical function, lower-extremity strength, balance, and mobility. The study also examines whether participation in this combined program supports continued engagement in health-promoting behaviors.

Assessments are conducted at baseline, after completion of the mindfulness phase, after completion of the full intervention, and 3 months after the intervention ends. This design allows evaluation of short-term effects after the mindfulness phase, overall effects after the full intervention, and maintenance of effects at follow-up.

This study is intended to generate evidence for a feasible community-based social prescribing model for older adults. The findings may help support future development and implementation of integrated community programs that promote physical function, psychological well-being, and healthy aging.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 55 years and older
• Community-dwelling older adults
• Able to walk independently or with assistive devices
• Normal cognitive function or mild cognitive impairment, with ability to understand and follow study procedures
• Willing to sign informed consent
• Willing to participate in the intervention and complete study assessments

Exclusion criteria

• Major surgery or hospitalization within the previous 3 months
• Severe cardiovascular disease or other medical condition making exercise inappropriate, based on physician assessment
• Moderate to severe dementia or other severe psychiatric disorder
• Inability to comply with the 4-week mindfulness meditation program or the 12-week walking-pole exercise program