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Systematic review demonstrates that community-organised activities improve physical and mental health in older adults, suggesting implications for healthy ageing.
Background and Objectives The global ageing population calls for innovative strategies to support healthy ageing. Community organised/sponsored activities (COAs) are community-led non-clinical activities, typically facilitated by community centres, volunteers or peers, designed to promote social participation, interpersonal connections and enhanced wellbeing. COAs are increasingly promoted to enhance older adults’ health. As research on their health impact is fragmented, this systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the relationship between distinct COAs and health outcomes among older adults, focusing on physical, mental, behavioural health, and overall wellbeing. Research Design and Methods A search of PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2004 and 2024. Eligible studies examined COAs and health outcomes in older adults. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool, and thematic analysis classified activities into six types across four health dimensions. Results Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Physical, social, and volunteer activities consistently correlated with improved physical health outcomes, including enhanced mobility and reduced disability risk. Social activities also correlated with better mental health, reducing depressive symptoms. However, associations between educational/cultural and health promotion activities with behavioural health were less clear. Studies lacking specified activity types produced mixed findings, highlighting a need for standardised classifications. Discussion and Implications COAs significantly contribute to healthy ageing, particularly enhancing physical and mental health. Future research should adopt standardised classifications and longitudinal designs to clarify causal relationships and subgroup differences, guiding targeted activities and fostering age-friendly communities.
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WANG et al. (2025) studied this question.
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