The Efficacy of a Community-based Intervention in Bangladesh for Enhancing Successful Ageing Indicators

Purpose: The aims of this research was to see whether a community-based intervention could be effective in promoting comprehensive indicators for successful aging.

Methods: The participants (60 years old and above) were recruited from rural and urban parts of Bangladesh's Rangpur district for this seven-month intervention program. Successful aging indicators included blood pressure control or diabetes management, adherence to recommended physical exercise and diet, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, engagement in social activities, religious activities, and volunteer activities.

Results: In the follow-up period the likelihood to control hypertension and diabetes in comparison to the baseline were 1.64 (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.12- 3.38) and 1.89 (95 % CI = 1.44- 2.87) times higher.  Participants in the follow-up were 2.21 (95 % CI = 1.87–3.45), 2.01 (95 % CI = 1.61–2.99) times more likely to adherence to recommended physical activity and diet compared with the baseline. This intervention was shown to be significantly linked to lower likelihood of developing cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms. In the follow-up period group activities increased 98% as compared to baseline.

Novelty/Value: This community-based intervention was found to be helpful in boosting successful aging markers for chronic disease management, maintaining good mental and physical function, and maintaining life engagement.