How to Tackle Key Challenges in the Promotion of Physical Activity among Older Adults (65+): The AEQUIPA Network Approach

Abstract

The paper introduces the theoretical framework and methods/instruments used by the Physical Activity and Health Equity: Primary Prevention for Healthy Ageing (AEQUIPA) prevention research network as an interdisciplinary approach to tackle key challenges in the promotion of physical activity among older people (65+). Drawing on the social-ecological model, the AEQUIPA network developed an interdisciplinary methodological design including quantitative/qualitative studies and systematic reviews, while combining expertise from diverse fields: public health, psychology, urban planning, sports sciences, health technology and geriatrics. AEQUIPA tackles key challenges when promoting physical activity (PA) in older adults: tailoring of interventions, fostering community readiness and participation, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, using new technological devices and evaluating intervention generated inequalities. AEQUIPA aims to strengthen the evidence base for age-specific preventive PA interventions and to yield new insights into the explanatory power of individual and contextual factors. Currently, the empirical work is still underway. First experiences indicate that the network has achieved a strong regional linkage with communities, local stakeholders and individuals. However, involving inactive persons and individuals from minority groups remained challenging. A review of existing PA intervention studies among the elderly revealed the potential to assess equity effects. The results will add to the theoretical and methodological discussion on evidence-based age-specific PA interventions and will contribute to the discussion about European and national health targets.

Effects of Two Web‐Based Interventions and Mediating Mechanisms on Stage of Change Regarding Physical Activity in Older Adults

“…The PROMOTE study is a community‐based intervention trial, embedded in the Physical Activity and Health Equity: Primary Prevention for Healthy Ageing (AEQUIPA) research network which was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (Forberger et al., ). The aim was to compare the effectiveness of two individually tailored web‐based interventions to promote initiation and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle in older adults aged 65–75 years in comparison to a delayed intervention control group (Muellmann et al., ).…”

Estudo da função sexual e da aptidão funcional em mulheres idosas

“…Acredita-se que uma pessoa que apresente melhores condições físicas, possa estar mais bem preparada e disponível ao sexo 13 . Nesse sentido, verifica-se que idosos ativos sexualmente possuem melhor condicionamento físico 4,6 . Da mesma forma os resultados encontrados em outro estudo indicam que os idosos ativos demonstraram maior interesse e frequência nas relações sexuais, além de tomarem mais iniciativa e terem mais prazer na relação 24 .…”

“…O envelhecimento populacional é um fenômeno mundial, resultado da baixa mortalidade e natalidade, e aumento da expectativa de vida, além de fatores como melhorias no tratamento de doenças e o acesso aos serviços de saúde [1][2] Sabe-se que o processo de envelhecimento ocasiona perdas nos aspectos biológico, psicológico e social 3 , que são agravados pela inatividade física, gerando piora da aptidão física, como a diminuição da resistência aeróbia e da agilidade 4 . Neste sentido, a manutenção da aptidão funcional, especialmente no que se refere à dimensão física, é um dos importantes marcadores de um envelhecimento bem sucedido e de uma melhor qualidade de vida do idoso [5][6] .…”

Accelerometer-assessed outdoor physical activity is associated with meteorological conditions among older adults: Cross-sectional results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study

“…The OUTDOOR ACTIVE study is part of the regional prevention network AEQUIPA and aims to develop and implement a community-based OPA promotion program in older adults [20]. Eligible for OUTDOOR ACTIVE were all non-institutionalised adults between the age of 65 and 75 years residing in the district Hemelingen in the city of Bremen, located in North-Western Germany.…”