Objectives
Later-life preparation—spanning financial, health, family life, social participation, and long-term care domains—is critical for ageing well. However, there lacks theory-guided interventions to address sustainable engagement for comprehensive later-life preparation. Incorporating transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory, and preparation for future care needs model, the PREParation for later life through Motivational interviewing and Education (PREP-ME) project compared Motivational Interviewing (MI) versus Education for later-life preparation.
Methods
This two-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial allocated 59 community-dwelling adults aged 50-75 to four weekly sessions: MI (n=30) resolving ambivalence and eliciting change talk, or Education (n=29) emphasising knowledge/skill-building. Outcomes for later-life preparation were assessed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 1-month (T2), and 3-month (T3) follow-ups. Generalised estimating equations assessed differential changes in outcomes over time and groups.
Results
Recruitment (90.9%), attendance (100%), retention (100%), and satisfaction (4.54±0.63 out of 5) indicated high feasibility. Both interventions improved preparedness and psychosocial outcomes (e.g., attitudes towards later life, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, self-rated health, family relationship; p<0.05). However, MI showed superior sustained effects in advancing preparation stage (e.g., overall: p<0.001, d=0.77; social participation: p=0.02, d=0.52) and maintaining preparedness gains (e.g., overall: p=0.049, d=0.33; health: p=0.03, d=0.41) at T3. Education yielded earlier confidence/goal improvements at T1 but plateaued over time.
Discussion
MI is feasible, effective in promoting sustained engagement in later-life preparation, bridging the intention-action gap through intrinsic motivation. Education offers immediate skill-based benefits. A dual-pathway model—tailoring MI for long-term behavioural change and Education for knowledge acquisition—empowers practitioners to address ageing adults' diverse needs.