Supporting Older People in Rural Communities: Evaluation of the Wellness 2 Age Program
Kristy Robson

Date and Time

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Theme / Track

Ageing well, longevity and social context

Presentation Format

Concurrent

Background: Supporting older adults to maintain independence, wellbeing, and social engagement is central to ageing well, particularly in rural communities where access to preventative health and ageing-support programs is limited. The Wellness 2 Age (W2A) program is a strengths-based, person-centred, group intervention designed to simultaneously address mobility, cognition, and social engagement through meaningful, goal-oriented activities tailored to individual participants. Methods: A prospective multi-site mixed-methods trial evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy, when delivered in community-based settings. The 10-week program was implemented across three rural service contexts: a public community health service, a private allied health provider, and a community aged care organisation. Data were collected using staff and participant surveys, semi-structured interviews, and standardised pre- and post-program outcome measures. Results: Forty older adults enrolled and 29 completed the program (mean age 75 years). W2A was highly acceptable to participants and feasible to deliver across diverse service contexts. Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction, mobility, cognition, and quality of life following program completion, with moderate to large effect sizes. Qualitative findings highlighted increased confidence, social engagement, and improved participation in everyday activities. Conclusion: Wellness 2 Age offers a scalable, community-based approach to supporting ageing well in rural Australia. By integrating physical, cognitive, and social engagement within a flexible delivery model, the program aligns with national policy priorities focused on reablement, independence, and enabling older adults to remain active and connected in their communities.

Keywords

Community, Enablement / Reablement, Meaningful Engagement, Wellness / Well Being

Authors

Associate Professor Melissa Nott, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, Charles Sturt University
Dr Liana Green, Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, Charles Sturt University
Ms Kylie Dobson, School of Allied Health and Sports Science, Charles Sturt University