Engaging in physical activity can bring health benefits for older adults. However, during the pandemic the availability of in-person exercise classes has been sporadic. As such, online exercise programs have become more common. This research had the goal of exploring the uptake of online exercise programs by older adults in Manitoba, Canada in the first few months in the pandemic and then more than 1.5 years into the pandemic. Older adults (65 years and older) were recruited via emails from a variety of community organizations. Participants completed anonymous online surveys in summer 2020 (n=678) and fall 2021 (n=570). Less than 50% of respondents reported participating in online exercise classes during the pandemic in both surveys. For both surveys, pre-recorded classes were the most common, however, this decreased from 80% in the first survey, to 57% in the second survey. Conversely, live classes where the instructor could see the participants increased from 17% in the 2020 survey, to 47% in the 2021 survey. Additionally, platform use shifted from YouTube as the most popular in the first survey, to Zoom in the second survey. Most of the online classes originated from their local communities. Of those who participated in online exercise early and later in the pandemic, about two thirds reported that they would continue online exercise classes outside of the pandemic. A major reason for not participating was because they enjoy the social aspect of in-person classes. The perspectives of the study participants will be valuable for policymakers, programmers, and instructors.
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many LTC facilities limited recreational and social activities to minimize the chances of an outbreak, leaving residents isolated. In response, we provided Google Nest Hub devices to 80 PCHs/supportive housing residences as an on-demand engagement mechanism for the residents and staff. Objective: To evaluate the experiences in setting up and using Google Nest Hub devices in long-term care settings. Method: We employed an online survey that explored the challenges and benefits of setting up and using the devices, who was using the devices, and how the devices were used. We analyzed the frequencies of the close-ended responses, and manually coded the open-ended responses before again analyzing the frequencies. Results: Thirty staff members from facilities that received a device completed the survey. The majority (N = 25) had already set up a device, while a few (N =5) had not. The experiences reported by the participants were overwhelmingly positive. The devices were used most by recreation staff, residents, and nursing staff. The most common uses were music, weather forecasts, and videos. The majority of respondents reported that the use of these devices provided ongoing interactions, and nearly all agreed that the effort of using the devices was worth the value. A few issues were encountered, largely related to facilities' Wi-Fi resources, and challenges surrounding speech as a means of using the devices. Many benefits were reported, and the use of the devices varied. Conclusion: Our initial analysis revealed a largely positive response to the varied use of these devices that may serve to help combat residents' isolation and boredom in the longterm care setting and contribute to the resident's quality of life.
COVID-19 rendered the availability of exercise facilities sporadic and online exercise programs subsequently became more common. This research explored online exercise classes delivered to older adults during the pandemic from the perspective of service providers. Sixty-seven service providers completed the survey (88% female). The majority (54%) of respondents had worked in the fitness industry for greater than 10 years, and 66% were fitness class instructors, while fewer were managers (9%) and personal trainers (8%). Three participants had experience providing online exercise classes prior to the pandemic, while 43 more had experience providing online exercise classes since the pandemic began. Of these 46 service providers, 87% offered classes live through Zoom. The majority (64%) offered classes through an organization, and 61% charged a fee for participants to take part. The most common type of class was a general fitness class (63%), followed by yoga and flexibility classes (39%), and strength training (17%). Regarding equipment used, weights were most frequently required (69%), followed by resistance bands (49%) and mats (44%). Most classes lasted 40–60 minutes (59%) and were low intensity (74%). Of the 21 respondents who did not provide online exercise classes, 43% indicated this was because of a lack of interest, and 19% cited not knowing how to use technology to deliver classes online, though most (71%) indicated they would consider offering online classes in the future. This research reveals the adaptability of service providers and may serve to inform the continued development of online exercise programs for older adults.
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