Långsiktiga effekter av livsstilsinterventioner för seniorer : En uppföljningsstudie av Träna Hjärna-programmet

Background:Physical inactivity is a well-established risk factor for poor health and premature death among older adults. Municipal lifestyle interventions that integrate physical activity, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and social interaction have shown short-term benefits, but evidence regarding the long-term maintenance of such changes remains limited. Träna Hjärna is a municipal program for older adults based on a multidomain approach inspired by the FINGER model. The program includes group exercise sessions twice weekly in small groups, combined with social interaction through shared coffee breaks. Additionally, participants are offered six thematic lectures on nutrition, physical activity, mental training, and social activities, as well as introductory sessions on cognitive decline, health promotion, and current research. The program also features at least two coaching sessions, two cooking workshops, and smaller follow-up seminars for reinforcement and deepening. Aim:The aim of this study was to examine how participants in the Träna Hjärna program retrospectively rated their lifestyle habits before, directly after, and 1–2 years following program completion, and to analyse factors associated with the maintenance of healthy habits over time. Method:A quantitative, retrospective pre-post design with long-term follow-up was applied. A web-based questionnaire was completed by 64 former participants, providing self-rated data on physical activity, diet, stress, sleep, health, and quality of life across three time points. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests (Friedman, Wilcoxon, Spearman, and Mann-Whitney U). Results:Physical activity levels were rated significantly higher after the program compared to before, and this level was maintained at follow-up. No significant changes were observed in diet or stress management between program completion and follow-up, while sleep quality declined significantly. At follow-up, most participants reported improved quality of life and health, which correlated with sustained habits, increased motivation, and a positive program experience. Conclusion:The findings suggest that Träna Hjärna may contribute to long-term improvements in self-reported physical activity, quality of life, and health. Factors such as perceived program adaptation and attitudinal change appear to be central to the maintenance of habits. The results highlight the need for continued support after program completion, particularly to sustain improvements in sleep.