TELE-DRAMA THERAPY FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH CONSTRICTED LIFE-SPACE MOBILITY - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Sep 29, 2026

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Tele-drama therapy is examined for older adults with constricted life-space mobility through a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial. A 12-week intervention delivered via Uniper Care was designed to evaluate mental health outcomes and link in-session change factors to changes in outcome measures. Quantitative results showed a significant Time × Group interaction, reducing depressive symptoms while improving social connectedness, well-being, and personal growth. Qualitative interviews supported acceptability and explained outcomes through participants’ and therapists’ experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Trial Design and Intervention

Quantitative Outcomes

Qualitative Insights

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 529 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1808 TELE-DRAMA THERAPY FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH CONSTRICTED LIFE-SPACE MOBILITY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL Talia Elkarif, Shoshi Keisari, and Hod Orkibi, University of Haifa, Haifa, HaZafon, Israel Drama therapy is a mental health profession that aims to promote well-being by systematically using dramatic tools and techniques, such as storytelling, dramatic improvisation, and role-play. Research on drama therapy demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing the mental health and well-being of older adults. Ensuring access to such interventions for older adults with constricted life-space mobility is particularly important, as they are at greater risk for social isolation and poor psychological well-being. The current mixed-methods, randomized controlled trial (RCT), aimed to explore the transition to group tele-drama therapy for older adults with constricted life-space mobility. The quantitative arm of the study examined the impact of a 12-week tele-drama therapy intervention on mental health indices, and the relationship between in-session change factors and changes in outcome measures. The qualitative arm of the study explored the experiences of participants, drama therapists and community coordinators. A total of 111 older adults (aged 63-102) with constricted life-space mobility were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. The intervention, integrating life review therapy and drama therapy techniques, was delivered via Uniper Care, asocial platform with accessible technology designed for the aging population. Findings revealed a significant Time X Group interaction, demonstrating the intervention’s efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing social connectedness, well-being, and personal growth.Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews helped account for these quantitative findings, offering insights into treatment acceptability. These findings point to tele-drama therapy as an effective intervention for older adults with constricted life-space mobility, with implications for broader implementation.

FAQs

What was the purpose of the randomized controlled trial?

To explore the transition to group tele-drama therapy for older adults with constricted life-space mobility and assess mental health changes after a 12-week intervention.

How was the tele-drama therapy delivered?

The intervention integrating life review therapy and drama therapy techniques was delivered via Uniper Care, a platform with accessible technology for aging populations.

What outcomes did the study find?

A significant Time × Group interaction indicated reduced depressive symptoms and increased social connectedness, well-being, and personal growth.

Sep 29, 2026

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