"Caminando y socializando con Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA)": Results of a randomized clinical trial to promote health and prevent depression and anxiety in older Latinos

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA) health promotion intervention in a group of older Latinos who were at risk for developing major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. METHOD: Sixty older Latinos age 60+ with subthreshold depression or anxiety were randomized to receive either HOLA (n = 30) or enhanced psychoeducation through fotonovela control (n = 30). The primary outcomes of interest were feasibility, acceptability, and reduction in depression and anxiety symptom severity. Outcome measures were administered at baseline and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Within a year, the enrollment target was met with < 5% of eligible participants refusing randomization. The randomization scheme produced equal numbers of participants randomized to each condition. Four participants (6.7%; HOLA = 1; control = 3) were lost to follow-up, 69% of the HOLA sessions were attended, and participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Finally, compared with control, a significant proportion of participants in HOLA experienced a clinically significant reduction in their anxiety symptoms (60% vs. 26.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the feasibility, acceptability, and significant impact the HOLA intervention can have in reducing psychological distress because it is responsive, respectful, and specific to the needs of older Latinos. Furthermore, using a community health worker to deliver a health promotion intervention to prevent common mental disorders in older Latinos is an innovative approach for reducing disease burden in a population living with high disparities in accessing and engaging in mental health services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).