A Scoping Review on Community-Based Programs to Promote Physical Activity in Older Immigrants

Abstract

Older immigrants are at higher risks for inactivity due to cultural, environmental, and social barriers in the postmigration context. Community-based physical activity (PA) programs increase PA in older adults, yet little is known about approaches that specifically target older immigrants. This scoping review explores the literature on community-based programs that increase PA and physical fitness in immigrant older adults and identifies barriers and facilitators to PA program participation in this population. A systematic search of electronic databases and gray literature was conducted, and a total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria after full-text screening. A range of populations and PA program characteristics are described, yet there is a lack of studies on older immigrant men, Black older immigrants, and immigrants from Arab and African countries. There is a need for further research to develop evidence-informed PA programs for this diverse population.

Evaluations of virtual exercise programmes for adults with mobility limitations: a scoping review protocol incorporating an equity lens to inform the development of strategies to optimise participation of under-represented groups

“…These challenges stem from the lack of age and disability-appropriate technology and the failure to account for sociocultural diversity within communities 35. For example, language barriers can limit access to exercise programme information and resources, and communication with exercise participants may not include consideration of cultural beliefs 36. Hence, it is crucial to integrate EDI considerations into the design and implementation of clinical trials.…”

“…35 For example, language barriers can limit access to exercise programme information and resources, and communication with exercise participants may not include consideration of cultural beliefs. 36 Hence, it is crucial to integrate EDI considerations into the design and implementation of clinical trials. Equity refers to the removal of systemic barriers and biases, enabling all individuals to have equal access to and to benefit from any aspect of society, accounting for everyone's different and unique identities, lived experiences and backgrounds, and reflectively allocates for resources needed to reach an equal outcome.…”