Exploring the potential of decision aids to support decision-making about healthy aging: A qualitative descriptive study using the theoretical domains framework

OBJECTIVES: To explore how older adults and caregivers perceive the potential of seven decision aids (DAs) to support decision-making in adopting new lifestyles for healthy aging. METHODS: We developed seven DAs to support lifestyle decision-making among older adults. In this qualitative-descriptive study, we recruited French-speaking adults aged 65 + and caregivers spending at least one hour weekly with an older adult, through primary care clinics and online. Participants read one of the DAs, and we then conducted semi-structured interviews to explore their views on the strengths and limitations of DAs in supporting lifestyle decision-making. Transcribed discussions were thematically analyzed by two researchers deductively using the Theoretical Domains Framework, and then inductively. RESULTS: We recruited 21 older adults (77.2 years ± 5.3, 12 women) self-reporting good/excellent health, and 14 caregivers (52.4 years ± 9.2). Results suggest that the studied DAs provide a holistic view of health multiple dimensions, helping older adults clarify their health priorities and supporting decision-making. Contents on social influences, particularly peer influences, emerged as a key for decision-making about adopting a new healthy aging lifestyle. The DAs' focus on recognizing experiential knowledge and providing a personalized approach to health education emerged as key strength. Our findings indicate that health promotion DAs can also be used to prepare older adults for future shared decision-making processes. CONCLUSION: DAs can help older adults integrate their experiential knowledge and identify strengths to engage in informed lifestyle decision-making. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: DAs offer a practical approach to tailoring evidence-based information on lifestyle changes to support decision-making about healthy aging.