Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40631524›Full record

ArticleHealth expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy2025

Uncovering the Dynamic System Driving Older Adults' Vitality: A Causal Loop Diagram Co-Created With Dutch Older Adults.

Djoeke Besselink, Fons van der Lucht, Lisa Barsties, Martine Jansen-van der Vliet, Thomas G Kuijpers, Lidwien Lemmens, Evelyn J Finnema, Saskia W van den Berg

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Djoeke BesselinkRegional Public Health Service, GGD Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.ORCID 0009-0000-6055-2331
Fons van der LuchtFAITH research, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.
Lisa BarstiesCentre for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0001-6962-6587
Martine Jansen-van der VlietCentre for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
Thomas G KuijpersCentre for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
Lidwien LemmensCentre for Public health, Healthcare and Society, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
Evelyn J FinnemaFAITH research, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0002-2837-6144
Saskia W van den BergCentre for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.

Funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMost studies on older adults' vitality focus on linear connections between determinants and outcomes. To design more comprehensive and impactful approaches to support the vitality of older adults, a better understanding of the interplay among elements that shape their vitality is necessary.

objectiveTo uncover the underlying dynamic system that drives vitality in older adults, drawing directly from older adults' perspectives.

methodsDuring three group model-building sessions with 10-12 older adults (≥ 55 years old), a causal loop diagram with relevant feedback loops was developed through co-creation with older adults. The construction and analysis of the causal loop diagram were facilitated using the online modelling tools Vensim and Kumu. The group model-building sessions were guided by Scriptapedia, an online guide to conducting group model-building practices.

resultsThe final CLD consisted of 15 elements contributing to older adults' vitality, organised into three themes: 'Psychological and emotional elements', 'Social connections and support' and 'Lifestyle and habits'. A total of 41 reinforcing feedback loops were identified, with 21 involving all three themes, 15 connecting two themes and 5 within a single theme.

conclusionsThis study displays the complex interplay of elements influencing older adults' vitality, highlighting the critical roles of psychological, social and lifestyle-related elements. The participatory-led approach yielded co-produced insights that inform public health strategies, underscoring the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to promote older adults' vitality. Such approaches must offer social opportunities and foster individuals' capacity and motivation to engage in meaningful social relationships. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The study was conducted in collaboration with a municipal policymaker and a coordinator of local community centres, who provided input on participant recruitment, materials, data interpretation, ethical considerations and result dissemination. During data collection, twelve older adults participated in three group model-building sessions, collaboratively developing a causal loop diagram to explore elements of vitality and their interconnections. Ongoing member checking with participants throughout the process ensured the analysis was refined and the researchers' interpretations were validated.

Indexed as

Quality of LifeAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansLife StyleMaleMiddle AgedNetherlandsSocial Supportcausal loop diagramco‐creationgroup model buildingolder adultssystems thinkingvitality

Identifiers

PMID40631524
PMCPMC12238894

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.