Perceptions of Group-Based Walks and Strategies to Inform the Development of an Intervention in Retirement Villages: Perspectives of Residents and Village Managers

Abstract

1The aim of the present study was explore perceptions of group-based walking and gather 2 suggestions to inform the development of a group-based walking intervention among older 3 adults in retirement villages. Twenty-four physically inactive residents (16 female, 8 male; 4 age range: 69-88) and 4 managers from four retirement villages were interviewed. Inductive 5 thematic analysis revealed 6 broad themes: lack of motivation, values versus constraints, fears 6 and confidence, need for structure, creating a sense of belonging, and the physical 7 environment as a double-edged sword. Proposed intervention strategies included using trained 8 walk leaders, using small groups, planning for flexibility, setting attainable goals, creating a 9 routine, creating opportunities for sharing experiences, and planning a variety of walks.

Protocol for the residents in action pilot cluster randomised controlled trial (RiAT): evaluating a behaviour change intervention to promote walking, reduce sitting and improve mental health in physically inactive older adults in retirement villages

“…However, existing programmes and facilities do not appeal to a large proportion of residents. 13 This observation is consistent with findings showing that only 27% of older adults in retirement villages in Perth, Western Australia, were sufficiently physically active to accrue health benefits. 14 …”

“… 21 Indeed, retirement village residents who were interviewed on their perceptions of peer-led group-based walks, walking was labelled as extremely important for socialising with other residents while engaging in physical activities. 13 These findings are consistent with research conducted with other populations of older adults. 22 23 The proposed group-based intervention format was also seen by the interviewees in the study by Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al as a potentially effective means of establishing a healthy lifestyle ‘routine’, which many new residents found difficult in the transition from home-based living to retirement village living.…”

“…The decision to have three to five residents per group was informed by preparatory work conducted by the research team. 13 The ambassadors will provide a range of different types of support, including leading weekly small group walks, and encouraging participants to engage in self-organised walks. Their involvement will be phased out after week 10 of the intervention.…”

“… 22 23 The proposed group-based intervention format was also seen by the interviewees in the study by Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al as a potentially effective means of establishing a healthy lifestyle ‘routine’, which many new residents found difficult in the transition from home-based living to retirement village living. 13 …”

Effects of a physical activity program on post-bariatric patients: A qualitative study from a self-determination theory perspective

“…Qualitative evaluations of SDT-based interventions in PA settings are scarce and very recent. Different studies have tested the effectiveness of interventions to promote PA in adolescents (Sebire et al, 2016a;Sebire et al, 2016b), adults (Kinnafick et al, 2014), older adults (Lee et al, 2016;Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al, 2017), indoor cycling exercisers (Hancox et al, 2018), and in a weight management program for overweight/obese men (Donnachie et al, 2017). Some of these studies were PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY 6 qualitative and others employed a mixed-methods design, but all attempted to deepen, through interviews/focus groups with teachers/instructors and/or exercisers, understanding of how interventions promoted the satisfaction of BPN and autonomous motivation for PA.…”