Table of Contents
- Use of Complementary Health Approaches and Research Interests Among Older Adults in the COSMOS Trial.
- FAQ
- How common is complementary health approach use among older adults?
- What types of complementary therapies do older adults use most frequently?
- Are older adults interested in participating in research on complementary therapies?
- Should healthcare providers ask older patients about their use of complementary therapies?
- What factors influence older adults’ likelihood to use complementary health approaches?
- Read next
- FAQ
Use of Complementary Health Approaches and Research Interests Among Older Adults in the COSMOS Trial.
Nearly 60% of older adults in the COSMOS trial used complementary health approaches in the past year, with half expressing interest in participating in related research.
This survey documents remarkably high utilization of complementary health approaches among older adults, with nearly three-quarters having used these modalities at some point in their lives. The data provides important baseline information about patterns of use across different complementary categories in a large, well-characterized cohort.
These findings challenge assumptions about older adults’ openness to non-conventional therapies and highlight the need for clinicians to routinely inquire about complementary health approach use. The high level of research interest suggests this population may be receptive to evidence-based discussions about integrative treatment options.
| Study Type | Cross-sectional survey analysis |
| Population | 16,144 older adults from COSMOS trial, median age 77.5 years |
| Intervention | Survey assessment of six complementary health approach categories |
| Comparator | Users versus non-users of complementary health approaches |
| Primary Outcome | Prevalence and patterns of complementary health approach use |
| Key Finding | 58.8% used complementary approaches in past 12 months, 76.4% ever in lifetime |
| Journal | The American Journal of Medicine |
| Year | 2024 |
Complementary health approaches are widely used by older adults, making routine assessment of these practices essential for comprehensive clinical care. The substantial interest in research participation suggests opportunities for evidence generation in this population.
The study does not establish effectiveness, safety, or clinical outcomes associated with complementary health approach use. It cannot determine whether usage patterns differ meaningfully from younger populations or assess the quality or appropriateness of the approaches being used.
The COSMOS trial participants may not be representative of the general older adult population, potentially limiting generalizability. Self-reported use may be subject to recall bias, and the survey design cannot capture important details about dosing, duration, or clinical context of use.
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FAQ
How common is complementary health approach use among older adults?
According to the COSMOS trial data, 58.8% of older adults (median age 77.5 years) used complementary health approaches within the past 12 months, and 76.4% reported lifetime use. This demonstrates that complementary therapies are widely adopted by older adults as part of their healthcare practices.
What types of complementary therapies do older adults use most frequently?
The study examined six categories of complementary health approaches: manual therapies, mind-body therapies, herbal products, acupuncture, spiritual practices, and cannabis/psychedelics. While the complete ranking isn’t provided in the summary, spiritual practices appeared to have high recent usage rates among the studied population.
Are older adults interested in participating in research on complementary therapies?
Yes, 50.4% of the 16,144 older adult participants expressed interest in participating in complementary health approach research. This significant level of interest suggests that older adults are engaged and willing to contribute to evidence-based understanding of these therapies.
Should healthcare providers ask older patients about their use of complementary therapies?
Given that nearly 6 out of 10 older adults use complementary health approaches, healthcare providers should routinely inquire about these practices during patient encounters. Understanding patients’ use of complementary therapies is essential for comprehensive care coordination and identifying potential interactions with conventional treatments.
What factors influence older adults’ likelihood to use complementary health approaches?
The study identified various sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics that differ between users and non-users of complementary health approaches. However, the specific factors and their relative influence would require review of the complete study results to provide detailed clinical guidance.
