Creating a SMART GOAL Based Visual Aid Which Helps Implement Changes in Health-related Lifestyle of Older Adults

WHO AND WHAT?

Various studies have previously focused on promoting healthy aging and improving the lifestyles of older adults based on modifiable risk factors. Others studies have looked into various goal setting methods as a way of improving self-efficacy, which in-turn could lead to better health outcomes. The present study aims to create a visual aid that uses the SMART goal setting model to aid older adults with creating and maintaining realistic lifestyle-based goals.

HOW?

A Lewinian learning model was used to finalize the visual aid in the form of a poster. After each draft was created there was a feedback and reflection process to implement changes and create the next draft. These creative and reflective processes involved older adult co-creators who provided feedback during various interviews to create a final design for the visual aid that was both appealing and functional.

FINDINGS

Thematic analysis was done on data collected during the interviews in order to evaluate the needs of older adults during goal setting. It was seen that most needed help with goals based on positive mindset, good diet habits and improvements in socializing. Finally, these findings along with the final poster created were evaluated leading to new insights for future experiments.