Act-Belong-Commit Indicators Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing among Irish Older Adults

Am J Health Behav. 2018 Nov 1;42(6):31-45. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.42.6.4.

Abstract

Objective Act-Belong-Commit is the world's first population-wide, community-based mental health promotion campaign. We assessed the associations between baseline indicators of Act-Belong-Commit behavioral domains and wellbeing at 2-year follow-up in a population-based sample of Irish older adults. MethodsData from 2 waves of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing were analyzed. The sample consisted of 6098 adults. Outcomes were quality of life (QoL), life satisfaction (LS) and self-rated mental health (SRMH). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted. ResultsThe adjusted model showed that each increase in the number of social/recreational activities (Act) predicted better QoL and SRMH, but the positive association with LS did not reach statistical significance. Both social network integration (Belong) and frequency of participation in social/recreational activities (Commit) significantly promoted QoL, LS, and SRMH. These associations were apparent regardless of baseline common mental disorders. ConclusionsAct-Belong-Commit indicators are shown to promote wellbeing among Irish older adults, providing further support for the campaign's potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ireland / epidemiology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Recreation*
  • Social Support*