Human aging is a multidirectional, multidimensional, and multicausal process that reflects
biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences, which act in distinct combinations
throughout the life-span. Proactivity towards avoiding the usual aging process is needed.
This study analyses the long-term effects of participation in Community-Based Programs on
psychological well-being. A sample of 150 community-dwelling participants enrolled in Community-Based Programs,
aged 55 to 84 years and living in three Portuguese localities were matched by age (55–64,
65–74, 75–84 years), gender, and locality with a comparison group of non-participants. We
administered a multidimensional gerontological protocol which included socio-demographic
information, measures of health/disease, functional ability, social network, cognitive perfor mance and psychological well-being. Hierarchical regression models were used to test the
effects of Community-Based Programs on psychological well-being adjusting for remaining
variables.
