Phone Health Coaching for Seniors During the First COVID Wave

During the first wave of COVID-19, Hungary launched a large study called PROACTIVE-19. It started in March 2020. The focus was on adults aged 60 and older. These older adults faced higher dangers from the virus. Researchers wanted to know if phone-based lifestyle coaching could help them stay healthier.

A total of 441 people took part. They were split into two equal groups. One group received general advice. The other received personalized coaching over the phone. The calls covered eating habits, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and mental well-being. Because infection rates turned out lower than expected, the team tracked deaths from any cause instead of severe COVID outcomes.

The results showed no big difference in death rates between the two groups. Still, many daily habits improved over time. People ate more fruits and vegetables. Current smokers reduced their cigarettes. Mental health measures got better. Drinkers in the personalized group cut back more than those in the general group, especially women. On the downside, participants with obesity in the personalized group saw a small increase in body weight. Activity levels and emotional distress also shifted with the seasons and different waves of the pandemic.

Personalized phone coaching did not significantly lower the overall death rate. However, lifestyle behaviors moved in a positive direction for many older adults. This suggests that remote support can help seniors improve everyday habits during a health crisis, even when it does not change mortality numbers.