Implementation procedures
The BCE programme was conducted by a well-trained facilitator with a master’s degree in psychology, who had received theoretical training related to BCEs. Before implementing the BCE programme, the facilitator completed training in BCE strategies provided by JYWL (the first author) who has successfully conducted psychosocial intervention trials to enhance behavioural changes in older adults with different health problems [Some precautionary measures were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, some post-intervention assessments and booster sessions at T2 and T3 were postponed during lockdown. In order to arrange interviews while ensuring the participants’ comfort, the research team contacted the centres to request use of private interview rooms, which allowed for one-on-one assessments to be made in a setting less likely to induce a fear of being too physically close to other people. As some participants were reluctant to undergo face-to face assessments due to health concerns, they were assessed by phone, so that it was not possible to conduct some assessments of their physical ability. From June to July 2020, offices and many venues in Hong Kong were allowed to resume operations at limited capacity. We therefore continued to conduct the T2 assessment (6 months post-intervention) as usual. As with the T2 assessment, the T3 assessment (12 months post-intervention), which took place in December 2020, proceeded normally because the centres had begun to resume operations.