“If I want to be able to keep going, I must be active.” Supporting Remote Physical Activity Programming for Older Adults during COVID-19 and Beyond: a mixed-methods study 

Abstract

Background: Pandemic-related public health restrictions limited older adults’ physical activity programs and opportunities. Supports for older adults' physical activity shifted to remote options, including virtual programming; however, information regarding the adoption and effectiveness of these supports is limited.​ Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate i) changes in physical activity of older adults during the pandemic, and ii) the uptake, perceived effectiveness, facilitators of and barriers to remote supports for physical activity among older adults during the pandemic. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (60+) were recruited to a cross-sectional online survey and an optional semi-structured follow-up interview. Survey questions addressed demographics, physical activity behaviors, and perceived effectiveness of, and facilitators and barriers for remote supports for physical activity. Interview questions were guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel and data was analyzed via inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Results: 57 older adults (68.3±7.1 years, 43 Female)​ completed the survey and 15 of these (67.4±5.8 years, 12 Female) completed interviews. Most participants were Caucasian, highly educated, and lived in Canada. There was no change in older adults' total physical activity from before to during the pandemic (p=0.74); however, at-home exercise participation increased as did technology usage and adoption of new technology. Participants perceived real-time virtual exercise, recorded exercise videos, and phone/webchat check-ins to be the most effective remote supports. The greatest barriers to physical activity were lack of contact with exercise professionals, limited access to exercise equipment or space, and decreased mental wellness. Thematic analysis identified four main themes: i) Knowledge, access to equipment, and space enhance or constrain physical activity opportunities, ii) Individual and environmental factors motivate physical activity uptake, iii) Social connection and real-time support encourage physical activity engagement, and iv) Current and future considerations to support technology usage for exercise. Conclusion: Use of remote supports for physical activity increased during the pandemic, with video-based programming being most favored. Live virtual programming may be best suited to encouraging physical activity among older adults as it may provide greater motivation for exercise, increase social and mental wellness, and alleviate safety concerns.