Effect of a Telephone Reminiscence Intervention on Mental Health (NCT07576855)
Strengthening Bonds: A Telephone Reminiscence Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation and Improve Mental Health in Rural Older Adults
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this study is to learn whether a telephone-based program that helps people share life memories can reduce loneliness and improve mental well-being, life satisfaction, and social support in older adults and their caregivers living in rural areas. This study has two parts. In the first part, researchers will gather feedback from a small group of older adults and informal caregivers to see if the updated telephone reminiscence program works well and is easy to use. In the second part, researchers will test the telephone reminiscence program in a clinical trial study to see whether the updated telephone reminiscence program reduces loneliness and improves social support, life satisfaction, and mental well-being in older adults and their caregivers. The researchers will also examine how the program impacts how often and for what reason you reminisce. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does the telephone reminiscence program improve social support, life satisfaction, and mental well-being and reduce loneliness in rural older adults and their caregivers? How does the telephone reminiscence impact how often and for what reason participants reminisce? * How often and how long do participants use the program? * How satisfied are older adults and informal caregivers with the program? In this study researchers will compare participants who begin the telephone reminiscence program right away with participants who start the program after a 12-week waiting period to see whether starting the program earlier leads to better outcomes. Participants will: * Take part in telephone calls 3 times a week that invite older adults to talk about their life experiences. * Answer brief survey questions about social support, loneliness, and mental well-being, and life satisfaction over time. * Include both older adults and their informal caregivers, who may also participate by recording questions in their own voice.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (4 items).
Location: University of Connecticut — Storrs, Connecticut
Age range: 60 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Telephone Reminiscence Program (BEHAVIORAL)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant hearing impairment that would interfere with telephone participation.
- Cognitive impairment as indicated by three or more errors on a brief cognitive screening assessment.
- Participation in the program development phase of this study.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of Connecticut — Storrs, Connecticut
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (860) 341-1177
Email: lifestory@uconn.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.