SELF-MANAGEMENT OF HEART-DISEASE BY OLDER ADULTS

A randomized, controlled trial involving 636 older individuals was con ducted to evaluate an intervention to enhance self-management of heart disease. Program participants experienced less impact of illness on t heir psychosocial functioning (p less than or equal to .05), especiall y their emotional behavior (p less than or equal to .05) and alertness (p less than or equal to .01). Compared to controls, male program par ticipants experienced improvements in their physical functioning, spec ifically their ability to ambulate (p less than or equal to .05) and t he frequency and severity of their symptoms. Female program participan ts did not experience gains in physical functioning. Most group differ ences emerged by 12 months and decayed by the 18-month final evaluatio n. To accurately assess the pattern of change associated with a progra m of this type, evaluation over at least 18 months following program c ompletion may be needed. Separate interventions for older men and wome n with heart disease appear warranted, as do follow-up activities at s trategic points in time to sustain program effects.