Whole Health

This randomized controlled trial will examine whether an online, group-based Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) intervention can increase physical activity and improve whole-person health among sedentary older adults. M-DMT combines mindful movement, creative expression, and interpersonal connection to support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to either M-DMT or the Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP). The study will evaluate changes in physical activity, measured through self-report and accelerometry, as well as multiple dimensions of whole-person health. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews will further explore participants' experiences with the interventions and their perceived effects on health and daily life.