ABSTRACT

Objective: Although interest in lifestyle intervention, which is applied to solve problems of the elderly in the aging era and has a positive effect on successful aging, is increasing, research on education models for cultivating experts in such intervention remains insufficient. The aim of the present study was therefore to analyze the lifestyle expert training programs in South Korea and other countries and develop a lifestyle expert education program suitable for a domestic environment. Methods: This study was conducted according to the five research stages of the scoping review suggested by Arskey and O'Malley. Through a literature search, programs that can be clearly identified in terms of their educational purpose, target population, method, and process were selected. These programs have established ties with the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance (LMGA). Results: As a result of this study, six programs were selected. First, in terms of country, the United States was the largest with four programs, followed by South Korea with two. Second, there were two cases in which the qualification requirements for the education subjects were limited to medical, health, and health workers; otherwise, anyone interested could complete them without restrictions. Third, five programs had an online-based education delivery method. Fourth, most of the educational contents were focused on physical activity, diet, mental health (sleep and stress management), and drug management. Conclusion: This study prepared basic data for establishing a new lifestyle intervention expert education model. In consideration of future domestic cases, it will be necessary to develop the qualifications for program education, effective education delivery methods, and educational contents identified in the results of this study. In addition, it is believed that a new expert curriculum for multi-faceted lifestyle intervention must be developed, thereby adding content to participate in activities and develop digital literacy capabilities.