Savor-Aging: The Art of Savoring Positive Emotions in Older Adulthood-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Savoring has been identified as a promising strategy to foster emotional and psychological well-being and to reduce depression in elders. However, research on online savoring interventions for this population remains limited. This registered RCT aimed to examine the effectiveness of a 3-week online intervention (six activities), Savor-Aging, in promoting subjective and psychological well-being and reducing depressive symptoms. Seventy-six healthy older adults (M = 69.9, SD = 4.8) were randomly assigned to a savoring group or a positive emotion (PE) group. Life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, flourishing, and depression were assessed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2) to test psychological changes. Longitudinal quantitative data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, whereas qualitative feedback was thematically analyzed. Significant overall time effects emerged for negative affect and depressive symptoms. Although most time × group interactions were not significant, the savoring condition showed more consistent improvements over time, including reductions in negative affect and depressive symptoms that were maintained at follow-up. Significant time effects emerged for flourishing only in the savoring group immediately after the intervention. Participants described the savoring intervention as pleasant, engaging, and meaningful. Overall, Savor-Aging appears to be a feasible and effective self-help intervention to support emotional well-being and reduce depression in older adults, offering an accessible approach to positive aging.