Researchers tested whether regular people could be trained to help older adults who are weak or frail stay healthy after leaving the hospital. Twenty-seven older adults (average age 80) received help from five trained volunteers who gave them exercise tips, nutrition advice, and encouragement through phone calls and video sessions over three months. Most participants stuck with the program, and both the older adults and volunteers felt it was helpful and safe. The study shows that with proper training, everyday people can successfully support seniors in getting stronger and healthier from home.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can trained volunteers safely help older adults who are weak or frail get healthier through exercise, better eating, and behavior changes delivered by phone or video?
  • Who participated: 27 older adults (average age 80, mostly women) who were weak or frail after being in the hospital, plus 5 young volunteers (average age 16) who were trained to help them
  • Key finding: The program worked well—most participants stuck with it (75-80% attended sessions), volunteers successfully delivered the help safely, and both older adults and volunteers found it acceptable and helpful
  • What it means for you: If you’re an older adult recovering from hospitalization or feeling weak, remote support from trained volunteers may help you get stronger. If you’re a young person wanting to help seniors, this shows you can make a real difference with proper training. Results are promising but this was a small test study, so more research is needed.

The Research Details

This was a small test study designed to see if a new idea could work in real life. Researchers recruited 27 older adults from a hospital in England who were experiencing frailty (weakness and loss of independence). Five volunteers, mostly teenagers, received training on how to help these older adults through exercise, nutrition, and behavior change support. The help was delivered in three ways: group sessions online, one-on-one phone calls, or one-on-one video sessions, all lasting three months. The researchers tracked how many people participated, how often they attended, and whether they thought the program was helpful by interviewing participants and volunteers.

This research approach is important because it tests whether a new program can actually work in the real world before spending money on a large study. By including interviews with both older adults and volunteers, the researchers could understand not just whether people participated, but why they liked it or what made it hard. This helps identify what needs to change before testing it with more people.

This was a small study with only 27 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The study was well-designed for testing feasibility (whether something is possible), which is what it aimed to do. The researchers used both numbers (how many attended) and interviews (what people thought) to get a complete picture. However, because there was no comparison group doing something different, we can’t say the program was better than other options—just that it seemed to work for these participants.

What the Results Show

The program proved to be safe and acceptable to both older adults and volunteers. Five volunteers completed their training, and three of them (60%) stayed involved through the end of the study. Of the 27 older adults who started, 17 completed the full three-month program. Those who participated in online group sessions attended about 75% of the meetings, while those getting one-on-one phone support attended about 80% of their calls. This high attendance rate suggests people found the program valuable and manageable. Volunteers reported that they provided emotional support, helped older adults feel less alone, and encouraged them to make healthy changes. Older adults appreciated learning from each other’s experiences in group sessions and valued the reassurance and monitoring from phone calls.

The study also looked at physical activity levels and appetite as secondary health measures. While the abstract doesn’t provide detailed numbers on these health improvements, the fact that participants stuck with the program and reported positive experiences suggests the intervention had potential benefits. The research identified that older adults learned from shared experiences with peers, which added value beyond just receiving instructions. Volunteers felt satisfied helping others and making a difference in seniors’ lives.

This study builds on existing knowledge that exercise and good nutrition help older adults maintain independence and reverse weakness. Previous research has shown that older adults benefit from social support and encouragement. This study is novel because it tests whether young volunteers can effectively deliver this support remotely, which hasn’t been extensively studied before. The findings align with research showing that peer support and group learning enhance health programs for older adults.

This was a small study with only 27 participants, so results may not apply to all older adults or all communities. The study didn’t compare the volunteer-led program to other types of support, so we can’t say it’s better than alternatives. Some volunteers dropped out (40% didn’t complete the study), which raises questions about volunteer retention long-term. The study didn’t provide detailed information about how much participants’ health actually improved in terms of strength, fitness, or nutrition. Participants who completed the program may have been more motivated than those who didn’t, which could make results look better than they actually are.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an older adult recovering from hospitalization or experiencing weakness, consider asking your doctor about volunteer-led remote support programs that include exercise guidance and nutrition advice. The evidence suggests this approach is safe and acceptable (moderate confidence level). If you’re a young person interested in helping seniors, volunteer training programs like this one can prepare you to make a meaningful difference (moderate confidence level). Healthcare providers should consider training and supporting volunteers to deliver these programs as part of hospital discharge planning (moderate confidence level).

This research matters most for: older adults (65+) who are weak or frail after hospitalization, their family members looking for support options, young people wanting to volunteer, and healthcare organizations planning discharge programs. This may be less relevant for very healthy older adults or those without internet or phone access. People with severe cognitive decline may need additional support beyond what this program offers.

The study lasted three months, which is a reasonable timeframe to see changes in activity levels and confidence. Most participants who stuck with the program attended sessions regularly from the start, suggesting benefits could begin within the first few weeks. However, significant improvements in strength and independence typically take several weeks to months to become noticeable. Long-term benefits beyond three months are unknown from this study.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly session attendance and completion (target: 75%+ attendance), record exercise sessions completed per week, and monitor appetite/nutrition changes using a simple 1-10 scale. Log any barriers encountered (e.g., ‘felt too tired,’ ’technical issues’) to identify patterns.
  • Set up weekly reminders for scheduled phone or video sessions with your volunteer supporter. Create a simple checklist of recommended exercises to do between sessions. Use the app to log what you eat daily and share progress with your volunteer during check-ins.
  • Use the app to track attendance consistency over 4-week periods. Monitor self-reported energy levels and ability to do daily activities (like walking or climbing stairs). Set monthly goals with your volunteer and review progress in the app. Share trends with your healthcare provider at follow-up appointments.

This research shows that volunteer-led remote programs may be helpful for older adults with frailty, but it was a small study and more research is needed. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise or nutrition program, especially if you have health conditions or are recovering from hospitalization. This study does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider. Results may vary based on individual health status, motivation, and access to technology. If you experience pain, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms during exercise, stop and contact your healthcare provider immediately.