Kin Pong To

Background: The demand for digitally supported chronic pain management has grown. Yet, the employment of a well-structured and sustainable program for older adults is limited due to insufficient research studies involving both older adults and their informal caregivers. Objective: This cluster randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a Dyadic Pain Management (DPM) program, with the primary outcome of pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included pain interference, pain self-efficacy, activities of daily living, pain knowledge, psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress), and caregiver burden. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 150 dyads (community-dwelling older adults with chronic non-cancer pain and their informal caregivers) over 8 weeks. The intervention comprised 4 weeks of on-campus group sessions followed by 4 weeks of WhatsApp-based support, while the control group received lesson pamphlets. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), week 8 (T1), and week 16 (T2). Results: Statistically significant improvements in pain outcomes were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group over follow-up. Between-group differences were significant for pain intensity (primary outcome) and pain interference, and pain self-efficacy also improved. Significant between-group differences were also observed for depression, anxiety, and stress after the intervention, and caregiver burden was lower in the intervention group at follow-up. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a dyadic, non-pharmacological pain management program with a WhatsApp-based component may support improvements in pain- and psychosocial-related outcomes among community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain and their informal caregivers.

Background/Objectives: Sedentariness is a common phenomenon among both the elderly and the young in modern society. Changes in work structure, leisure activities, and technological advancements have contributed to excessive sitting time. To address sedentary lifestyles across generations, this randomised controlled pilot trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Connective Active Programme (CAP) in improving intergenerational relationships, psychological well-being, and physical fitness among older adults. Methods: Twenty dyads of older and younger adults from the same family were recruited and randomly allocated to an experimental group or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The experimental group participated in six weekly 2-h dyadic walking sessions supported by digital information and mobile applications, whereas the control group received weekly digital pamphlets. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in younger participants’ intergenerational relationship quality, as well as in older participants’ 6-Minute Walk Test performance and WHOQOL-BREF scores. Conclusions: The CAP appears to be a viable strategy to enhance intergenerational relationships and promote healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong.

Older adults' chronic pain care includes assisting with daily activities and exercise. But the informal caregivers have stated different challenges in the caring process. This study aims to explore the chronic pain situations of older adults, the burden of their informal caregivers, and the correlation between the severity of chronic pain in older adults and the level of burden experienced by their caregivers. A total of 150 older adults (mean age: 65.44) with chronic pain and 150 informal caregivers (mean age: 41.06) were recruited for this study. Older adults completed the brief pain inventory and pain self-efficacy questionnaire. Depression, anxiety, stress, and activities of daily living were assessed. Informal caregivers also completed the caregiver burden inventory. 150 informal caregivers completed the questionnaire. The mean caregiver burden score was 3.73, positively associated with pain conditions and emotional tolls in older adults. The findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to address the physical and emotional burdens experienced by informal caregivers. Healthcare professionals should investigate the caregiver burden. Comprehensive support strategies should be developed to enhance the well-being of both older adults and their caregivers, ultimately improving pain management and quality of life.