In-Person and/or Online Intervention to Improve Health in Older Adults through a Multicomponent Programme

Knowledge Offer, Oferta Tecnológica

Salud y Biomedicina

13 October 2026

In-Person and/or Online Intervention to Improve Health in Older Adults through a Multicomponent Programme

In-person and/or online intervention using household items to improve health in older adults through a multicomponent cognitive and physical programme (strength, walking speed, balance and flexibility).

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

This is an in-person and/or online intervention, delivered individually or in groups according to the user’s preference, to improve the health of older adults through a multicomponent programme using everyday household items. The programme consists of one-hour sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Participants will need access to a tablet or smartphone with WhatsApp. This means they can follow the programme wherever they are. If they prefer to attend in person, sessions will take place at the facilities of Miguel Hernández University of Elche or in green spaces.

**Physical component:** Exercises will be proposed that require nothing more than bottles, a broom, chairs, a table, towels and other household items that are readily available. The exercises focus on lower-limb strength, assessed using the five-times sit-to-stand test; walking speed, assessed using the 3-metre walk test; dynamic balance, assessed using the Timed Up and Go test; static balance, assessed using a single-leg stance test; step count, measured with a pedometer; body composition; and perceived pain, measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

**Cognitive component:** Cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), covering executive functions, visuospatial abilities, memory, attention, language and recall. Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); quality of life will be evaluated using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) will be measured using the Barthel Index (BI).

An initial cognitive and physical assessment will be carried out, and a report will be provided to any participant who requests one. A further report will also be provided after the intervention to assess whether the outcomes have been maintained or whether the intervention has had an effect. The aim is to improve cognitive measures as well as physical aspects such as balance, strength, flexibility and walking ability.

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

The intervention can be requested by any public or private organisation, or by any user requiring the intervention, that works with older people. These include older people’s associations, residential care facilities, day centres, NGOs, social centres and foundations. It is also suitable for people with a medical condition or transport difficulties for whom the online format offers a convenient way to take part in the exercises.

Participants can benefit from this intervention remotely in either format. In addition, an initial and a follow-up report are provided to assess whether the outcomes have been maintained or whether the intervention has been effective. The programme is designed to be as convenient as possible, both in terms of the equipment required—which consists of everyday household items—and the delivery format (individual or group, online or in person).

ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS

We offer an online or in-person intervention, delivered individually or in groups, to anyone who requires it, with a focus on improving physical and cognitive health. The equipment consists of everyday household items that are easy to obtain. In addition, participants undergo an initial physical and cognitive assessment, followed by a second report to evaluate whether their condition has been maintained or improved.

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Fully operational. The methodology is based on research projects with validated results. The UMH team is ready to coordinate groups, carry out initial assessments and provide follow-up reports immediately.

APPLICATION SECTORS

This intervention is a strategic resource for organisations that support groups of older adults:

  • Day centres and residential care facilities: to establish structured physical and cognitive activity programmes for residents, with professional monitoring.
  • Local authorities and NGOs: to implement active ageing programmes in neighbourhoods or rural areas with limited access to specialist centres.
  • Insurers and mutual insurance organisations: to reduce frailty and prevent falls, thereby substantially reducing long-term healthcare costs.
  • Individual users: people with chronic conditions or reduced mobility who prefer the convenience and privacy of their own homes.

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER

María Antonia Parra Rizo – Department of Health Psychology