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A Comprehensive Review of Interventions Impacting Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Associated with the Move Your Mood (MYM) Pilot Program for Older Adults
Chiyla Hemeyer, B.A. & Dr. Greg Wells

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A Comprehensive Review of Interventions Impacting Physical and Mental Well-being
Associated with the Move Your Mood (MYM) Pilot Program for Older Adults
The research-based Move Your Mood (MYM) program was developed to enhance the
physical and mental well-being of participants by promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy
lifestyle practices (Alberta Health Services, 2024). MYM encompasses four pillars of health,
focusing on moving (physical activity) and fueling (nutrition) participants’ bodies, practicing
mindfulness and expanding one’s mind by building coping strategies. Initially developed for
children and youth, this initiative is currently being expanded via a MYM pilot program directed
at the well-being of older adults. The MYM program is firmly grounded in research, with
considerable evidence supporting positive relationships between each of the four pillars of health
and quality of life (QoL) (defined as “the individual’s perception of his/her position in life,
within the context of culture and value systems in which he/she lives and in relation to his/her
objectives, expectations, standards and concerns”- World Health Organization, 2020b). This
evidence instills confidence in the potential benefits arising from interventions constructed to
augment the successful aging of this cohort. The purpose of the following literature review is to
explore this evidence, further bolstering confidence in the MYM program's efficacy for older
adults.
According to Rowe and Kahn (1997), successful ageing comprises three primary
components: high physical and cognitive functioning, low probability of disability and disease,
and active social engagement. With the number of older adults anticipated to almost double from
2015 to 2050 (Bauman et al., 2016; World Health Organization, 2020a), the ageing population
will also see increases in multimorbidity- “the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases in
one individual” (Afshar et al., 2015, p. 1). Tackling multimorbidity remains a global primary

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challenge, compelling the need for interventions as possible solutions to reduce the factors
driving multimorbidity prevalence. Communities adapting to this shifting demographic and
participating in healthy ageing can empower older adults to live longer and healthier lives (World
Health Organization, 2020a). As such, MYM embodies these solutions to the three components
of successful aging, as evidenced in this review.
The protocol followed in conducting this review was as follows: Keywords searched
were “older adults,” “physical activity,” “exercise,” “nutrition,” “mindfulness,” “spirituality,”
“successful ageing,” and “quality of life” from databases such as EBSCO Host, PsychInfo,
Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceOpen and ScienceDirect. The inclusion
criteria for this review included a selection of articles comprising Cochrane reviews, systematic
reviews, meta-analyses, and original studies, all ranging between 2010 and 2024. This includes
using randomized control trials where possible but allowing for less robust studies if necessary,
considering them as references to the best evidence available.
Move Your Body
Likely, the most prominent and researched mainly of the four pillars are the benefits of
PA. The Government of Canada (2019) recommends that adults over 65 partake in a minimum of
two and a half hours (150 minutes) of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity each week and bone
and muscle strengthening at least twice a week. The benefits associated with higher levels of
physical activity are many, including increased quality of life and mental health, improved
balance, reduced falls and injuries, greater independence, and improved cognitive function and
mood (Barcelos et al., 2015; Bauman et al., 2016; Bootsman et al., 2018; Maxwell & Lynn,
2015; Thom et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2022). Physical activity is also linked to lower incidences of
chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory, stroke, diabetes, dementia, some

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cancers and most vitally, premature death (Bauman et al., 2016; Louw et al., 2012; Malone et al.,
2012; Maxwell & Lynn, 2015; Posadzki et al., 2020; Thom et al., 2021).
Benefits to well-being among older adults have been demonstrated via various exercise
interventions, including cardiovascular-based training, weight training and balance exercises
(Barcelos et al., 2015; Bauman et al., 2016; Maxwell & Lynn, 2015; Xu et al., 2022).
Unfortunately, despite the abundance of evidence demonstrating the health benefits, most older
adults do not meet the suggested minimum guidelines for PA (Bauman et al., 2016; Dalgas et al.,
2024; Thom et al., 2021; Trudelle-Jackson &Jackson, 2018). The potential value of PA-focused
interventions is apparent, as, with a rapidly aging population, resources allocated to manage
increases in falls and related injuries, chronic diseases, and long-term healthcare costs will
increasingly be challenged. Indeed, the theory of Active Aging (“the process of optimizing
opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people
age,” put forth as a policy framework by the World Health Organization in 2002) describes PA as
“the most important determinant of ‘active aging’ and has a major role in improving the quality
of life, in reducing disability, and in the ‘compression of morbidity’ in later life” (Bauman, 2016,
p. 269).
Physical Activity and Falls Risk
One of the most likely and concerning consequences of ageing is perhaps the fear and
risk of falling, which can lead to injury and even death (Bootsman et al., 2018). In a study
investigating the association between PA and physical and psycho-cognitive functioning,
Bootsman and colleagues found that participants who spent more time walking scored higher on
balance tests and dual-task abilities and were less likely to exhibit hypertension. They assessed
these measures using physiological indicators such as toe-tap tests, grip strength using a

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calibrated mechanical handgrip dynamometer, leg strength with a calibrated GS-KMT load cell,
sit-and-stand tests, and psycho-cognitive functioning questionnaires addressing QoL (Dementia
Quality of Life scale; Brod et al., 1999), balance confidence (CONFbal scale; Simpson et al.,
2009), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale International-Short Version; Hauer et al., 2011) and
cognitive impairment (Jorm & Mackinnon, 1994).
Likewise, Sherrington et al. (2019) analyzed numerous randomized controlled trials
(RTCs) evaluating the efficacy of fall prevention interventions in people over 60. They
determined that of eighty-one trials (19,684 participants), the rate of falls was reduced by 23%
due to exercise of all types (aerobic- treadmill, walking, Wii Fit program, cycle; strength
training- body weight, gym equipment, yoga, elastic bands; balance- Pilates, Tai Chi, yoga).
Specifically, exercises focusing on balance and function reduced fall rates by 24%; balance and
function in conjunction with resistance exercise reduced rates by 34%; and Tai Chi practices
reduced rates by 19%. The authors conclude that exercise programs significantly lower the rate
of falls in the age 60+ population.
Physical Activity and Chronic Illness
Another salient health outcome affected by sedentary lifestyles is the risk of
noncommunicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, sedentary
behaviours are placed amid the top five risk factors for coronary disease (American Heart
Association, 2023), and aerobic forms of PA are equated with positive outcomes. The overview
and meta-analysis of Cochrane reviews completed by Posadzki et al. (2020) suggest that the
effectiveness of PA interventions, including running, walking, swimming, dance and martial arts,
decreases mortality rates (13%; 27,671 participants) and increases QoL (33%; 18,391
participants) in healthy and medically compromised individuals. In addition, their review

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identifies that PA contributes to significantly improved function, mental and physical health, and
reduced pain and disability. Maxwell and Lynn (2015) indicate that walking and vigorous aerobic
exercise were linked to a lower chance of cardiovascular incidents in women (30-40%) over
eight years compared to those who led more sedentary lifestyles. The authors further expressed
that regular aerobic exercise alleviates heart disease by decreasing body weight, low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood pressure.
In addition to aerobic exercise, emerging evidence supports similar benefits for strength
training to increase or maintain muscle mass, alleviating the consequences of aging-associated
sarcopenia (muscle loss) (Bauman et al., 2016). Grøntved and colleagues (2014) depict that
muscle strengthening and conditioning were correlated with a reduced risk of type II diabetes on
its own and paired with aerobic exercises in a sample of 100,000 nurses over eight years.
Moreover, they purport that their results support meta-analysis findings from RCTs suggesting
that resistance training can improve glycemic control and function as another option to aerobic
exercise for type II diabetes prevention. In a cross-sectional study with 85 older adults, TrudelleJackson and Jackson (2018) observed significantly better grip strength and stair-climbing
performance in those who met the muscle-strengthening requirements two or more days per
week than those who did not. However, all measures (grip strength, stair climbing, 10-meter
walking and sit-to-stand testing) showed better improvement in those who met strength and
aerobic guidelines—showcasing yet again the efficacy of PA interventions in older adult health
and wellness.
Physical Activity and Cognition
Furthermore, the benefits of PA contribute to cognitive improvements, as evidenced by
Barcelos et al. (2015) and Lambourne and Tomporowski (2010). The study by Barcelos et al.

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(2015) utilized a dual-task experiment (called exergaming), combining PA (stationary cycling)
and interactive virtual reality, to examine the impact on physical function, executive control, and
processing speed in older adults to identify interventions to help ameliorate or prevent dementia.
Physical outcomes were measured with heart rate monitors on the bikes and via exercise logs
filled in by the participants relating to duration, frequency and intensity. Cognitive measures
were assessed using a Stroop test (van der Elst et al., 2006), Digit Span (Strauss et al., 2006), and
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; Nasreddine et al., 2005). The pilot study results were
consistent with those of other exergaming RCTs (Anderson-Hanley et al., 2012; Maillot et al.,
2012; Shatil, 2013, as cited in Barcelos et al., 2015), noting substantial advantages to executive
function. Lambourne and Tomporowski (2010) thoroughly reviewed similar studies comparing
dual-task (i.e. exergaming) and single-task (task is performed after PA) studies. Single-task
studies showed a slight enhancement in cognitive performance immediately after PA, whereas
dual-task studies reported higher gains in cognition.
Of course, PA comes with its limitations. In a study by Louw et al. (2012), exercise
motivations and barriers were evaluated, acknowledging that the most commonly identified
motives were general health (including controlling weight and managing stress), feeling
good/energized, maintaining fitness, and strength and endurance. However, the older adults in
the study expressed that lack of knowledge, motivation, and time, as well as health issues, were
the primary concerns preventing them from participating in regular exercise routines. Similarly,
Malone et al. (2012) highlighted that knowledge, accessibility and exertion prevented an older
cohort from starting or maintaining a workout program. These perceived barriers in both studies
were higher in participants who did not meet the suggested 150 minutes of weekly activity.

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Comparatively, Dalgas et al. (2024) examined variations in satisfaction, unfulfillment,
and frustration experiences across domains of PA in unique ways. The authors’ research
identified that motivation is a principal driver for beginning and sustaining PA, encompassing
intrinsic (pleasure and satisfaction) and internalized extrinsic (exercising for health) motivations.
They linked these motivations to sustained commitment to PA, increased vitality, resilience, and
overall well-being. In contrast, they also discovered controlled motivation resulting from
pressures or feelings of obligation correlated with maladaptive behaviours and heightened
depressive symptoms. Much like the studies from Louw et al. (2012) and Malone et al. (2012),
Dalgas and colleagues posit that the type of motivation is guided by autonomy and competence.
However, they also connected relatedness as a crucial aspect of motivation. Individuals need to
feel connected to foster positive behaviours relating to PA.
Methodological Challenges to Physical Activity
In discussing evidence pertaining to the impact of PA, methodological challenges must
also be considered. These include multiple interrelated comorbidities, age-related changes, and
generational and social influences, which can imbue study design, data collection, and sampling
criteria (Chase, 2013). Such challenges involve careful consideration and adaptive strategies to
ensure that studies accurately reflect the complexities and confounding variables of the studied
populations. This requires appropriate study designs, comprehensive data collection methods,
and thorough sampling criteria to achieve solid and generalizable results. When considering the
development of interventions, comorbidities and participant compliance may modify specific
protocols, and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria may limit homogenous samples. Moreover,
the safety of the participants is paramount in determining the frequency, intensity and delivery
methods of PA. Based on the scope of these protocols, compliance with activities may be

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complex due to the unique and varying degrees of challenges in older adults. Likewise,
accurately measuring PA levels is tricky due to dependence on self-report methods like daily logs
or questionnaires, which can reflect recall bias and errors affected by age-related deficits.
Fuel Your Body
The Move Your Mood program's second pillar is nutrition and healthy eating practices.
Nutrition is a crucial and readily modifiable risk factor for preventing archetypal diseases and
impairments linked to aging, such as osteoporosis, macular degeneration, urinary incontinence,
constipation, and sleep-related issues, and research has steadily shown a relationship between
diet and health (Govindaraju, 2018; Roberts et al., 2021). Moreover, healthy dietary patterns are
also associated with preventing sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, dementia, and diabetes,
lending to successful aging and better QoL. Leitão and colleagues (2022) explain this further,
stating that despite biological changes at the molecular, cellular, physiological and functional
levels, lifestyle and dietary patterns can determine the degrees of healthy aging.
Nutrition and Diets
Numerous diets are promoted to older adults, with many making unsubstantiated claims.
Evidence-based analysis has demonstrated that the critical components of healthy eating include
a high intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and seafood and a low intake of
carbohydrates, processed meats, sweetened foods, and refined grains (Govindaraju, 2018).
Notably, the Mediterranean diet repeatedly emerged as employing these critical components in
the literature. This diet has been linked to reduced body mass, inflammation and frailty, lower
risk of cardiovascular events, cessation of hypertension, better brain function and mental health,
decreased psychological distress and mortality, and overall better QoL (Govindaraju, 2018;

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Leitão et al., 2022; Milte & McNaughton, 2016). Typical Western diets, on the other hand, which
are high in saturated fats, salt, and processed foods and low in critical components, have
consistently been found to be associated with adverse effects on immunity, chronic diseases,
cardiovascular events, diabetes, cancer, asthma, cognitive function, mental health, and depressive
symptoms (Govindaraju, 2018; Leitão et al., 2022).
Unfortunately, inaccurate perceptions of old age and the aging process held by older
adults are a significant factor in reluctance to change dietary behaviours. Many older adults
normalize their conditions, like being overweight or in poor health, as par for the course or
believe they are as healthy as can be for their age (Bardach et al., 2016). At the same time, the
emergence of adverse health outcomes (or the desire to avoid or minimize these) and the
anticipated benefits of lifestyle changes can be powerful motivators. For example, adverse
experiences like breathing issues and diminished daily functioning, as well as the desire to avoid
medications and to look and feel better, are strong predictors of dietary change in older adults.
Unfortunately, for many older adults, these motivations do not always manifest in dietary change
due to social barriers such as socioeconomic status, especially with the fast-rising prices of
groceries and healthy foods. (Govindaraju et al., 2022).
Other diet influences in older populations, like physical and social limitations, can also
contribute to nutrition deficits. The physiological changes that happen with aging, like
diminished smell and taste, xerostomia (dry mouth), and malabsorption due to gastrointestinal
changes, can affect food intake and impact the energy requirements needed as people age (Leslie
& Hankey, 2015). These influences are marked by decreases in appetite, preferences and quantity
of food, dentition and digestion problems, and chewing ability (Govindataju et al., 2022). Also,
social factors such as distance to grocery stores when transportation is limited, inability to stand

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for long periods to cook, store layouts and heavy shopping carts, bereavement and social
isolation may affect the amounts and quality of food bought by older cohorts.
Because of these reasons, meeting the nutritional needs of older people is not always
attainable, and thus, nutritionally complete supplementation intervention is often used (Leslie &
Hankey, 2015; Roberts et al., 2021). Malnutrition can manifest as under and over-consumption,
extending the risk of nutrient deficits, obesity or low body mass index (BMI), morbidity and
mortality. Supplementation of vitamin D and protein are especially essential as they contribute to
bone and muscle strength as well as functional capacity and increased energy levels and help to
decrease the risk of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and falls. Additionally, coenzyme Q10, a
naturally occurring biochemical and antioxidant in our bodies and food, which helps convert
food into energy (Sood et al., 2024), in conjunction with the Mediterranean diet, shows higher
urinary metabolite excretions linked to oxidative stress and decreases in inflammatory responses
(Leitão et al., 2022).
Nutrition and Weight Management
Weight management is also crucial in older populations to aid in reducing disease risk
and advancement of QoL (Leslie & Hankey, 2015). BMI values higher than 25.0 are
considerably correlated with frailty, functional limitations, cognitive decline and dementia, sleep
apnea, diabetes, hearing loss and urinary incontinence, cardiovascular disease and cancer
(Roberts et al., 2021). Encouragingly, 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes who attained a
mean weight loss of 10% have achieved remission through modified nutritional behaviours.
Maintaining an appropriate weight can also expedite healing from surgeries and illness (Bardach
et al., 2016). Still, losing weight and maintaining it is a difficult task. However, it can be

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mediated through social learning theory and group or individual counselling methods, which
have proven helpful in long-term weight loss (Clark et al., 2010).
Methodological Challenges to Nutrition
Similar to the methodological challenges facing the assessment of PA, nutrition
interventions also have limitations. Correctly quantifying dietary intake is troublesome due to
self-report methods resulting in bias and recall error (Aparicio et al., 2019; Govindaraju et al.,
2018; Milte & McNaughton, 2016). Finding a homogenous sample can also be problematic
because age, gender, socioeconomic status, and culture influence dietary habits (Govindaraju,
2022; Milte & McNaughton, 2016). In addition, various methods for measuring dietary intake
(e.g., biomarkers, 24-hour recalls, and food frequency questionnaires) have differing levels of
accuracy and reliability, making it problematic to compare results across studies (Clark et al.,
2010; Leitão et al., 2022; Milte & McNaughton, 2016). Regardless of these challenges, research
demonstrates that by implementing sufficient nutrition and supplementation, older adults can
prevent the chances of disease, enhance longevity and augment QoL and healthy aging.
Practice Mindfulness
The third pillar of the MYM is the practice of mindfulness. According to Kayser et al.
(2023), mindfulness can be defined as “ the awareness that arises from paying attention, on
purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” (p. 1). Numerous mindfulness-based
interventions exist and have been shown to positively impact various indices of mental and
physical well-being in older adults experiencing a range of conditions, including cancer, stroke,
insomnia and dementia (Li & Bressington, 2019). Some examples of interventions employing
mindfulness include: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a group intervention

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including techniques like formal meditations, yoga, and everyday mindfulness and
psychoeducation relaying info about stress, anxiety and pain; Mindfulness-Based Cognitive
Therapy (MBCT); another group intervention that focuses on cognitive behavioural therapy and
incorporates psychoeducation, mindfulness meditation and three-minute breathing sessions to
ward off depressive relapses and reduce psychological distress; and finally, Mindfulness Training
(MT), which consists of two components: activation of sustained and selective attention,
inhibitory control and working memory; and equanimity, or calming of the mind. (Kayser et al.,
2023; Li & Bressington, 2019; Sanchez et al., 2022). The primary goal of MT is to divert
attention from distractions to intentional breathing, but it does not include relaxation techniques
or psychoeducation. Evaluation of such interventions provides robust evidence of improvements
in many cognitive outcomes, including attention, memory, and executive function, as well as
decreases in stress and anxiety, depressive symptoms, negative mood, and pain. (Kayser et al.,
2023; Nijjar et al, 2019; Sanchez et al., 2022).
Mindfulness and Stress
Of course, one of mindfulness's primary functions is to reduce stress correlated with
adverse effects. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Querstret and colleagues (2020) assert
that MBSR and MBCT significantly lowered symptoms of stress and psychological distress,
anxiety, depression, worry, and rumination. They further express that these approaches may show
efficacy for subclinical levels of poor mental health. Through mindfulness practice, awareness of
physical, emotional and cognitive processes is cultivated, enabling individuals to experience
them nonreactive and nonjudgmentally, thereby increasing psychological flexibility and lowering
maladaptive reactions and habits. Moreover, the authors posit that MBSR and MBCT are
recognized for their effectiveness in improving QoL and well-being through awareness.

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Methodological Challenges to Mindfulness
Limitations and methodological considerations of mindfulness research include the
generalizability of interventions highlighting variation in duration and mode of delivery
(Querstret et al., 2020). It is also argued that individuals who partake in mindfulness studies may
have specific characteristics compared to the general population, who may not share them. Also,
the authors question what protocol for delivery is most effective and under which conditions
(e.g., total training time).
Comparatively, Li and Bressington (2019) acknowledge the limitations of practices such
as MBSR in reducing stress, identified via self-report measures, which may not translate well
because they are not often designed for older adults and are vulnerable to social desirability bias.
Furthermore, perceptions of the controllability of stress may be heightened in late life as many
stressors are uncontrollable and correlate with heightened depressive symptoms, such as
loneliness from the loss of loved ones, financial decline and poor health. In addition, the authors
assert that mindfulness practices may also be a source of stress for older adults due to physical
limitations or long-term medical conditions.
Generalizability in these findings, however, is debatable as depression in older cohorts
may contrast in etiology and presentation from younger populations (Li & Bressington, 2019).
Likewise, a fair amount of heterogeneity in terms of study setting, age and diagnosis was
identified in the review, reducing the comparability of the studies. They further mention other
uncontrolled and possibly confounding variables, such as participants' engagement in therapeutic
activities or private psychological therapies or treatments, improving psychological and physical
well-being, which could contaminate the effects of the mindfulness interventions. Finally, the
authors assert that, as stated in Socioemotional Selective Theory (SST), due to the perception of

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the limited time left in life, older adults may innately alter their attention to augment presentmoment well-being and have prioritized emotionally consequential goals, thus negating any
effectiveness of mindfulness practices.
From a different perspective, Wei et al. (2020) examined the impact of a Tai Chi
intervention (known for its benefits as a mindfulness and light aerobic practice) on an older adult
population with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to assess the effects on cognitive
rehabilitation. Through their systematic review and meta-analysis, they unveiled that mild
cognitive impairment, which can be defined as cognitive loss or decline that is higher than
expected at an individual’s age but does not substantially impact daily living activities, has
amplified the risk of developing dementia in later life. Considering the limited effectiveness and
potential side effects of pharmaceutical interventions, the effects of non-pharmaceutical
mindfulness interventions like Tai Chi are being investigated. In one activity, Tai Chi
encompasses social, physical, cognitive and meditation elements, stimulating mind and body.
The use of equipment does not encumber this practice; the difficulty and intensity are appropriate
for older adults and, therefore, present a suitable rehabilitation method for older adults with MCI.
This analysis reveals that Tai Chi significantly affects global cognitive ability and
improves long-term delayed recall ability (Wei et al., 2020). It also moderately improves
executive function and can benefit instrumental activities of daily living and QoL. From a
physical standpoint, this multimodal exercise could enhance metabolism and blood perfusion of
brain tissue through reverse abdominal breathing. Cognitively, Tai Chi engages attentional focus,
multitasking and movement learning, which facilitates the establishment of synapses and
supports the control of episodic memory, processing speed, and visual-spatial processing.
Socially, people’s coping skills and mental status improved through Tai Chi due to social support

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and interpersonal communication. Finally, the meditative aspect enhanced executive functions
and attention, as well as relieving depression and anxiety, which indirectly progressed cognitive
function.
The implications of this review outline that the outcomes of the meta-analysis of the
general measurements of identical indicators were restricted due to heterogeneity in included
outcomes (Wei et al., 2020). Thus, there is a need for further research with homogeneous
measurements reflecting other cognitive domains. There is also a potential for selection bias as
the employment of random sequence generation was only reported in five reviewed studies.
Expand Your Mind
The final pillar of MYM is ‘expand your mind,’ which focuses on building coping
strategies through improving one’s sense of self and promoting connectedness. A primary
strategy is to improve one’s coping ability through strengthening resilience, described as using
resources to protect against risk factors (Jackson & Bergeman, 2011) or adapting to adversity
(Pruchno et al., 2015). By virtue of living for several decades, most older adults have gone
through personal and physical losses such as the death of loved ones, divorce or job loss, and
declines in daily functioning, hearing and vision. Pruchno and colleagues suggest that due to
these losses, the construct of successful aging can be viewed as “a pattern of resiliency across the
lifespan” (p. 200). Through this resilience, people grow and are better off.
Religiosity or Spirituality
As the research suggests, one way to gain resilience is through religiosity or spirituality
(R/S) (Jackson & Bergeman, 2011; Joiner et al., 2022). Evidence shows that higher levels of R/S
consistently correlate with positive outcomes, particularly in well-being, life satisfaction, and

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happiness. Also, religion and spirituality have a sizeable presence in many cultures. In North
American culture, marriages, births, and deaths are observed in religious traditions and
ceremonies and infused with spiritual beliefs and ideas (Jackson & Bergeman, 2011). Individuals
who display more devotion to their spiritual convictions and religious faith have been shown to
have more coping resources and are healthier and happier than those who do not conform to
religious or spiritual beliefs.
In this context, Joiner and colleagues (2022) establish a connection between perceived
control and well-being, focusing on the mechanisms that foster this relationship. Their crosssectional study connected a mediating relationship amid R/S, control beliefs and subjective wellbeing, indicating that people with high perceived control believe that their actions are efficacious
in attaining enviable outcomes or evading undesirable ones compared to those low in perceived
control who believe their actions have little or no effect.
Jackson and Bergeman (2011) similarly postulate that individuals with more robust
religious principles have more substantial positive well-being effects due to the resources
religion provides. Also, religion increases overall resiliency and supplies strategies for coping
with life stressors. These resources include hope and optimism, heightened perceptions of
control, meaning and purpose, and a broad social support network. In addition, this study
examines the impact of perceived control, determining the degree to which people feel they have
the efficacy, capacity, and opportunity to create or inhibit a given outcome based on their beliefs
about the self and the world. They found that highly devoted people observe their world through
a religious/spiritual lens and that affiliating themselves with a higher power generates the notion
that they share in that power’s control, asserting that they have a more significant degree of
control in their lives.

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Social Support Networks
As mentioned above, another coping strategy is to strengthen and maintain a positive
social support network. Positive health outcomes have been shown through social connectedness,
especially in long-term care settings where reduced social engagement, depression and lower life
satisfaction are more prevalent (Lim et al., 2023). In the systematic review by Lim et al. (2023),
some studies advise that a lack of connectedness can cause social disengagement, isolation,
loneliness and hastened time to death. Further to these findings, unmarried, low-income and less
educated men are at a higher risk for social isolation. This sentiment of isolation is echoed by
Lydon et al. (2022), who assert that loneliness and isolation contribute to poor health outcomes
and are associated with a heightened risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments, and is
corroborated in a review by Donovan and Blazer (2020), who report a 50% increase in the
likelihood of developing dementia, a 30% increase in the risk of coronary episodes such as heart
disease and stroke, and 26% increased risk of all-cause mortality due to isolation and loneliness.
Similarly, a longitudinal study conducted by Cachó,-Alonso et al. (2023) indicates that loneliness
is linked to reduced cognitive performance and accelerated memory and verbal fluency decline.
These findings call attention to the fundamental human need for connection with others and
underscore the importance of social interactions for well-being, especially in older adults
(Grünjes et al., 2024).
On a more positive note, social engagement is a vital strategy to promote and maintain
mental health, positive health behaviours, and QoL (Lim et al., 2023; Lydon et al., 2022; Yen et
al., 2022). More robust social connections are linked to resilience, better emotional health, mood,
sleep, and reduced mortality risk in older populations (Lim et al., 2023). They may also have a
positive effect by enhancing antiviral responses and reducing inflammation. Furthermore,

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systematic reviews of social participation identified that older adults who volunteer show
fulfillment in social roles within the community (Carver, 2018; Krzeczkowska et al., 2021;
Lydon et al., 2022). Voluntary, altruistic behaviours serve as a means to preserve life satisfaction
and QoL in older adults and foster a sense of purpose and belonging, contributing to well-being
(Carver, 2018; Krzeczkowska et al., 2021).
In sum, the intervention literature strongly supports the MYM program as an effective
means of enhancing the well-being of older adults in terms of the individual beneficial impact of
physical activity, nutrition, mindfulness, and coping. However, it should be emphasized that the
MYM program is a combined holistic approach to well-being, which may be one of its greatest
strengths. It is evident that complex, reciprocal relationships exist between PA, nutrition, and
cognitive and social-emotional well-being. PA clearly benefits physical health and cognitive
functioning, as does nutrition.
Mindfulness, like PA, reduces stress, anxiety and depression and helps develop a
healthier relationship with food and exercise by increasing self-awareness. Regular physical
activity, a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness can boost resilience by improving physical
and mental health. Engaging in physical activity and mindfulness practices with others can
strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of connection. Stronger social connections and greater
resilience lead to a higher likelihood of participating in PA, eating better, and practicing
mindfulness. Thus, the holistic integration of these elements exemplified in the MYM for older
adults initiative is likely conducive to improved overall health and quality of life in older adults
in a manner greater than the influence of any one pillar in isolation. The vast majority of research
has not adequately considered the additive benefits of such an approach (e.g., whether exercise
combined with mindfulness social interaction has relatively greater benefit than an exercise

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program alone). Rigorous evaluation of the relative efficacy of unidimensional interventions
versus combined holistic ones such as MYM is an important direction for future research.

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References
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Alberta Health Services. (2024). Move your mood | Alberta Health Services.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?source=mha&Id=1079352&
facilityid=1002653
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