Document Type
Other
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
The current study examined how Better Choices, Better Health South Dakota (BCBH-SD) programs impact older adults’ perceived loneliness, self-reported health measures, functional status, and confidence in managing their chronic condition. Sixty percent of U.S. adults report having a chronic condition (CDC, 2022), and adults with chronic conditions report higher levels of loneliness, increasing one’s health problems, maladaptive coping skills, and a diminished sense of self (Christiansen et al., 2021; Hammond and Pullen, 2020). We compared outcome measures between and within the two groups at pre- and post-survey timepoints. Pre-survey and post-survey loneliness measures revealed a significant difference between the groups, with Group 2 (those 65 and older) reporting lower levels of loneliness than Group 1 (those 44 to 64). Additional analyses on pre- and post-survey changes in outcome measures revealed no significant differences. Despite only finding significant differences in perceived loneliness measures, the analyses revealed insightful knowledge of the BCBH-SD program. Future studies could consider the impact of requiring an eligibility criterion to target the intended populations, examining the impact on outcome measures. Furthermore, continued research into effective skills to combat older adult loneliness could prove effective for workplace environments, adult care facilities, and enhanced quality of life for older populations. Understanding the complex interaction between chronic conditions, self-reported health measures, and loneliness among older adults helps BCBH-SD and related programs throughout the country better target programming.
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 2024 McKensey Bultje
Recommended Citation
Bultje, McKensey, "Better Choices, Better Health South Dakota: The Association Between Perceived Loneliness and Self-Reported Health Measures Among Older Adults" (2024). Schultz-Werth Award Papers. 68.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/schultz-werth/68
