Behavioral Intervention and Cognitive Improvement for the Elderly

Last registered on June 29, 2026
View Trial History

Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
Behavioral Intervention and Cognitive Improvement for the Elderly
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0018959
Initial registration date
June 27, 2026

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
June 29, 2026, 9:42 AM EDT

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

Locations

Country
China
Region

Primary Investigator

Name
Yuxin Su
Affiliation
SKEMA Business School
Contact Primary Investigator

Other Primary Investigator(s)

PI Name
Lianjun Li
PI Affiliation
University of Science and Technology of China
Contact Investigator

Additional Trial Information

Status
In development
Start date
2026-06-01
End date
2026-12-31
Keywords
Behavior, Health
Additional Keywords
JEL code(s)
Secondary IDs
Prior work
This trial does not extend or rely on any prior RCTs.
Abstract
This study evaluates a lightweight strategy to improve fall-prevention awareness and safety habits among older adults. A group of seniors (aged 60+) and their caregivers in China will participate. The control group will receive standard, general safety advice. The treatment group will receive personalized risk feedback and choose one simple, low-pressure safety habit to try (such as clearing a walkway or using a nightlight). Following a tracking period, we will compare both groups to see if this practical method effectively motivates seniors to overcome risk denial, seek help, and adopt safer daily habits.
External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation
Li, Lianjun and Yuxin Su. 2026. "Behavioral Intervention and Cognitive Improvement for the Elderly." AEA RCT Registry. June 29. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.18959-1.0
Sponsors & Partners
Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
Intervention Start Date
2026-07-01
Intervention End Date
2026-08-31

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
Fall-Prevention Behavioral Commitment: Measured by the older adult's willingness to make changes (Yes/No) and their commitment confidence level (scaled 0–10).

Help-Seeking and Disclosure Intention: The older adult's willingness to report unsteadiness or near-falls to a designated person (caregiver, family, or doctor).

Action Follow-Through (Adherence Rate): The actual execution rate of the chosen micro-action habit (fully completed, partially completed, or not done).
Primary Outcomes (explanation)

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
Control Group: Receives a standard, generalized fall-prevention safety suggestion.
Treatment Group: Receives personalized risk feedback (positive or negative framing) and is asked to select one low-pressure micro-action habit from a choice of 8 practical options.
Follow-up: A brief structured follow-up interview will be conducted post-intervention to assess behavior change and adherence.
Experimental Design Details
Not available
Randomization Method
By computer
Randomization Unit
Individual
Was the treatment clustered?
No

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
0
Sample size: planned number of observations
100 older adults
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
50 control, 50 treatment
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
Supporting Documents and Materials
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
University of Science and Technology of China
IRB Approval Date
2026-06-23
IRB Approval Number
2026KY713
Analysis Plan