A mixed-methods case study exploring the impact of participation in community activity groups for older adults on physical activity, health and wellbeing

Abstract

Background Regular physical activity (PA) has many health benefits but declines with age. Community multi-activity groups offering volunteer-led socially-oriented activity programs could provide an opportunity for older people to maintain or increase PA levels and promote their health. The aim of this study was to examine the potential effect of becoming a member of an existing community activity group on PA levels, physical and mental health-related quality of life (HR QoL), comparing any impacts associated with participation in physical activity or social activity programs. Methods This mixed-methods case study, combining a longitudinal quantitative-survey with qualitative focus groups to contextualise the survey results, focused on an Australian community organisation called Life Activities Clubs (LACs). LACs provide various physical activities (e.g. walking, cycling, dancing) and social activities (e.g. book groups, dine-outs, craft). Data were collected using a self-report survey administered at baseline, six and twelve-months after joining and group differences between participants of PA programs (PA group) and social programs (social group) were analysed using linear mixed-models. Two focus groups with LAC members were held, one representing each activity type and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Results 35 people (mean age 67) completed the surveys and 11 people participated in the focus groups. PA levels and physical health-related QoL were maintained over 1 year in the PA group, and declined between baseline and 12-months in the social group. Focus groups suggested social aspects of PA programs increased motivation to maintain regular attendance and do more PA than participants would on their own and that physical activities provided health benefits. Mental HR QoL did not change in either group, focus groups suggested this was because the social aspects of both types of program provide benefits relating to mental health including stress relief, enjoyment and adapting to major life events, to prevent a decline in QoL. Conclusions Community PA programs appear to maintain PA levels and physical HR QoL in older adults, and both social and PA programs may maintain mental HR QoL. Incorporating both types of program into one organisation may also encourage less physically active members to try physical activities.

Motivational climate of group exercise sessions in nursing homes

“…As we showed in a previous study, these sessions lead to additional physical activity (and thus higher energy expenditure) over a week (13). Moreover, physical activity programmes for older individuals appear to maintain physical activity levels and physical quality of life (14).…”

Motivational climate of group exercise sessions in nursing homes

“…As we showed in a previous study, these sessions lead to additional physical activity (and thus higher energy expenditure) over a week [12]. Moreover, physical activity programmes for older individuals appear to maintain physical activity levels and physical quality of life [13]. However, the level of physical activity of nursing home residents is generally low [14], and it seems important to motivate them to move more.…”

Experiences With Social Participation in Group Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults

“…Our results suggest that social participation in group physical activity programs may be encouraged by emphasizing the social experience built around shared interests. Also, older adults may be more likely to participate if they are made aware that being part of an existing social network within the programs is not necessary prior to participating, and that opportunities for fun social interaction will be provided (Lindsay Smith et al, 2019). Participants expressed the critical importance of social interaction to their social participation.…”