title: Feasibility and effectiveness of a cosmetic intervention program for institutionalized older women in Japan.
abstract: We examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a cosmetic intervention program for frail older women. Thirty-nine older adults (83.0 ± 8.65 years) from two nursing homes in Tokyo were allocated to a cosmetic (intervention: n = 27) or a light-exercise (control: n = 12) group according to their nursing home residence. Both groups attended weekly classes over a 5-week period from May to June 2009. The program feasibility was examined using class participation, class attendance, and program adherence rates, while the effectiveness of the program was examined using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and participants' engagement in positive activities (i.e., engaging in social activities and going outside). The intervention group showed significantly higher rates on all feasibility measures than did the control group (class participation: 24.1% vs. 13.3%, class attendance: 75.5% vs. 32.6%, program adherence: 70.8% vs. 10.0%). Furthermore, the GDS scores decreased significantly in the intervention group, but not the control group. Although the change in GDS score was larger in the intervention group (- 1.30 ± 2.36) than in the control group (- 0.75 ± 3.53), the inter-group difference in this change was not significant. No significant differences were found between pre- and post-intervention positive activity rates in either group, or in the inter-group comparisons of changes in these rates. Overall, the cosmetic program was highly feasible and effective for improving the mental health of frail older women. However, further studies using longer intervention periods and larger samples would be needed to identify the program effectiveness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Sport Sciences, School of Human and Social Sciences, Tokyo International University, 509 Matoba, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1198, Japan.
authors.forename: Yohko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hayakawa
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan.
authors.forename: Ikuko
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Shoji
authors.affiliation: Department of Beauty and Arts, Yamano College of Aesthetics, 530 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0396, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kumon
authors.affiliation: Department of Beauty and Arts, Yamano College of Aesthetics, 530 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0396, Japan.
authors.forename: Masumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tokita
authors.affiliation: Department of Beauty and Arts, Yamano College of Aesthetics, 530 Yarimizu, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0396, Japan.
authors.forename: Masazumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kamata
authors.affiliation: Physical Activity Epidemiology, School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1192, Japan.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Arao
keywords: Cosmetic program; Frail older women; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS); Intervention