Physical activity is essential for all age groups, across all comorbidities and geriatric syndromes; it has been described as the 'ideal' intervention for aging. Increasing physical activity among homebound, multimorbid, African American (AA) older adults (OAs) requires a shift in interventions to target the older adult-care partner (CP) pair (dyad) and to test innovative vehicles for remote intervention delivery. Our research goal is to create an evidence-based intervention that leverages technology to reach multimorbid OA-CP dyads in the home, promotes long-term mobility and social engagement among those least able to access community resources, and empowers informal care partners with tools. We developed a socially-motivated exercise tool for multimorbid OA-CP dyads called EngAGE that leverages voice-activated technology. We propose to conduct a 6-month, randomized, in-home trial of EngAGE (intervention) versus paper exercise handouts (usual care) in 124 multimorbid, homebound, AA OA-CP dyads recruited from 2 hospital systems and the community. Our overall hypothesis is that EngAGE will improve both physical and social function of older adults.~All OA subjects will undergo an in-home baseline visit where we will collect data about physical function, social function, activity and frailty. OA-CP dyads will be randomized (1:1) to a physical activity intervention: either EngAGE or usual care. All subjects will be asked to complete exercises 3-6 times per week. Care Partners will be instructed to encourage their Older Adult partner to perform physical activities on a regular basis. There is a two week Run-In Period to troubleshoot the EngAGE app and acclimate the OA subjects to the study intervention. OA subjects will be monitored via phone visits on a monthly basis. In home study visits will take place at month 3 and month 6. Data about OA subject physical function, social function, activity and frailty will be collected at these visits.
The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of EngAGE (an interactive, voice-activated app) vs usual care on improving older adult physical and social function.