An Evaluation of a Community-Based Psychoeducation Program for Successful Ageing

(1) Background: The increasing numbers and proportion of the ageing population make it essential to develop and evaluate programs to meet the needs of older adults to empower them to age actively, healthily and successfully. Consequently, positive ageing programs have been developed and the need to evaluate their efficacy is essential. This study used mixed methods to evaluate a longstanding positive ageing psychoeducation program “SAGE” conducted in Australia. (2) Methods: Two approaches were utilised. The first involved a survey of demographic variables, measures of subjective wellbeing, resilience, perceived social support, optimism, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress, active ageing, and social, mental and physical activity. This survey was sent to all past and current program participants prior to the annual program commencement, and at the end of the ten- seminar program. The second approach was for participants to complete a short answer and Likert-rated survey assessing session satisfaction of participants pre- and post- each seminar. Data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. (3) Results: The analyses revealed that those who continued to attend SAGE seminars were managing issues of stress, coping and self-esteem. These issues were less common in participants who were no longer attending SAGE. Of those who attended SAGE, almost half reported specific positive changes to their cognitions or behaviours, with most of these identified changes being maintained at the end of the year-long program. Participant feedback from those attending SAGE seminars was overwhelmingly positive. (4) Conclusions: Participants continued to engage with SAGE when dealing with stress, coping and self-esteem issues, which may indicate that SAGE is currently reaching those who are likely to benefit most. Half of those attending reported positive behavioural and cognitive changes. Qualitative feedback suggested that SAGE is certainly appreciated and valued by those attending.