The Helping Older People Engage (HOPE) Study: Protocol & COVID Modifications for a Randomized Trial

Objectives Evidence-based strategies to reduce loneliness in later life are needed because loneliness impacts all domains of health, functioning, and quality of life. Volunteering is a promising strategy, as a large literature of observational studies documents associations between volunteering and better health and well-being. However, relatively few studies have used randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine benefits of volunteering, and none have examined loneliness. The primary objective of the Helping Older People Engage (HOPE) study is to examine the social-emotional benefits of a social volunteering program for lonely older adults. This manuscript describes the rationale and design of the trial. Design Randomized controlled trial examining an existing community volunteering program available nationwide. We are randomly assigning adults aged 60 or older (up to 300) who report loneliness to 12 months of either AmeriCorps Seniors volunteering program or an active control (self-guided life review). Co-primary outcomes are assessed via self-report—loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref). This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03343483 ) Setting Lifespan of Greater Rochester, a non-medical, community-based aging services agency (volunteering) and participants’ homes (control). Participants Adult ages ≥60 years who endorsed feelings of loneliness (score of 6 or greater on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale). Intervention The interventions are 12-months of volunteer service with the AmeriCorps Seniors program or self-guided life review writing (active control). Measurements Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months (loneliness) and baseline and 12-months (quality of life). Timeline Enrollment for this trial is underway and expected to finish by May 2022, with completion of follow-up assessments through April, 2023, and completion of primary outcomes soon thereafter.