The global aging of the population stands out as one of the most profound social transformations in the 21st century. Presently, a majority of individuals can anticipate living beyond the age of 70.1 According to the Word Population Prospects2, it was estimated that 8.5 % (617.1 million) of the total 7.3 billion people worldwide were aged 65 and older in 2015. However, this amount is expected to rise to 12.0 % (1 billion) by 2030 and further increase to 16.7 % (1.6 billion) by 2050. The aging process is marked by a gradual decline in both physical and cognitive capacities, leading to an increased demand for more extensive medical and social assistance.3 With a substantial and growing number of older adults residing in institutional settings4, a crucial concern linked to this extended lifespan is the association between older age and an individual's overall health and quality of life.

Embracing a physically active lifestyle and engaging in regular exercise are widely regarded as effective non-pharmacological strategies for promoting successful aging.5,6 There is consistent evidence that exercise brings numerous physical and cognitive benefits.5,7 In recent years, several studies have highlighted the potential of multimodal interventions incorporating both exercise and cognitive training.7, 8, 9 The integration of cognitive and exercise training, including dual tasks, holds particular significance due to its potential to enhance overall capacities in older adults, especially in cognitive functioning.10,11 When physical and cognitive practices are combined, various mechanisms are stimulated and recruited, such as neuroplasticity and cerebral blood flow.12 Considering that exercise, when coupled with demanding information processing, taps into not only physical abilities but also cognitive processes, it is reasonable to anticipate broader effects on an individual's functional status over time.7,8,12

Multimodal interventions appear to yield benefits not only in older individuals with intact cognitive function7,8,13 but also in those facing cognitive impairment.14,15 While some studies separate physical and cognitive training16,17, others exclusively incorporate cognitive exertion into physical exercise sessions, demanding participants to perform double or even triple tasks simultaneously.7,8,18 The potential benefits of multimodal programs are particularly noteworthy given the high prevalence of neurocognitive changes and disorders associated with aging, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.19,20 Moreover, the advantages of interventions combining physical and cognitive activities appear not to be limited to cognition but extend to positive effects on balance, strength, flexibility, functional mobility, and gait speed, among other aspects.9,14,21

In many developed countries, there is significant and increasing number of older adults residing in institutionalized settings, such as nursing homes.22 This poses a challenge to health and care systems due to the diversity and complex demands within these care environments. Consequently, there is a pressing need within these health systems and subsystems to explore alternatives and methods of stimulation aimed at preserving the functional status and capabilities of individuals for as long as possible.7,8,23

Due to the diversity and challenge of the activities involved in multimodal interventions, such as learning tasks and dual tasks, it is anticipated that they have the potential to enhance the levels of satisfaction, acceptability, and motivation among older adults. These factors are crucial for sustaining their participation and maximizing the impact of the program. Another aspect that can potentially impact the adherence and response of older adults to the exercise program is the is the degree of individualization and support provided. Typically, multimodal intervention programs for individuals residing in nursing homes are conducted in group settings7,8, and to the best of our knowledge, individualized multimodal interventions are lacking. Individualized sessions can facilitate the planning of activities tailored to the participants’ characteristics and needs, while also fostering a close relationship between the health professional and the participant. Therefore, the primary objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an individualized multimodal intervention in older nursing home residents. Specifically, we aimed to collect preliminary data and drawing initial conclusions to serve as a foundation for a more extensive future investigation. Additionally, we sought to explore the potential effects of the intervention on physical functioning, reaction time, and memory.