Implementing an Active Lifestyle using Behavioral Economics based Cognitive Biases, the “A-BE-C” program: a Brief Intervention Targeting Decision Making to Promote an Active Lifestyle Among Sedentary Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms: Protocol for a Clinical Trial

ROH - Royal Ottawa Health Care Group Academic Medical Organization

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Implementing an Active Lifestyle using Behavioral Economics based Cognitive Biases, the “A-BE-C” program: a Brief Intervention Targeting Decision Making to Promote an Active Lifestyle Among Sedentary Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms: Protocol for a Clinical Trial

Proposal Abstract

The importance and benefits of leading a physically active lifestyle have been long studied. Examples of the multiple advantages from physical activity are improved health of the heart and brain, having a more independent living and better quality of life. However, it is known that for many people, being active is challenging: physical activity is commonly viewed as a burden or inconvenience. In this study we will explore how some common everyday thoughts are hurdles to becoming physically active. We will discover ways to overcome this by using concepts from a field called “behavioral economics” that explains how we make decisions. The purpose of the program is to support participants in being more physically active. The study program is a newly developed way to overcome the intuitive preference for being sedentary. Some groups will learn simple ways to overcome expected hurdles in making decisions related to physical activity (the newly developed program), and some groups will learn about the health benefits of physical activity and the health guidelines (the common practice today). We will compare the effectiveness of the newly developed intervention in promoting an active lifestyle, compared to the common practice today, of providing the knowledge and the recommended guidelines. The program in the study will be in small groups of 5-6 participants that will meet online (virtually) for 90 minutes, twice a week, for 4 weeks.

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