Preliminary effects of a WeChat-based educational intervention on social participation among older adults in a community

Background: The social participation of older people should be encouraged, as it is fundamental to their well-being and the practice of aged care. Therefore, the ability of older persons to participate in society should be strengthened. Objective: To evaluate the preliminary effects of a WeChat-based educational intervention on the social participation of community-dwelling older adults in China. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults participated in a WeChat-based educational intervention. The intervention contents included concepts and preparation of social participation, analysis of participation resources and capabilities, technological adaptation, emotional management, setting of to-do lists, etc. Social participation, self-worth and subjective well-being were measured via the WeChat application on smartphones at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and a 3-month follow-up. We analysed data using paired t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: We found statistically significant improvements in social participation (active aging) (F = 4.408; p <.05) as well as the self-worth dimensions of moral worth (F = 4.135; p <.05) and psychological worth (F = 3.234; p <.05), and the negative-affect dimension of subjective well-being being decreased (F = 2.484; p <.05). Conclusions: The WeChat-based education intervention can effectively improve social participation and self-worth, and may provide effective preventive healthcare solutions for older adults in China. Implications for Practice: The enormous value of the social participation of independent older adults must be recognised. Nurses can use smartphones to deliver health and social participation information in routine programs in aged care.