The Peer Experience for Older People Encouraging Other Older People to Engage in Resistance Training: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Resistance training (RT) can maintain and improve physical and mental health in older adults, but this population has low levels of RT participation. Linking older people participating in RT (i.e., peers) with those who have not may promote and maintain adherence. This qualitative study explored the experience of peers in encouraging RT participation among older adults. Data were collected using focus groups, researcher observations, and semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted. Older people (n = 8) who engaged in RT prior to recruitment, participated as peers. Each provided peer support for between one and four RT participants for 6 weeks. The peer role was perceived by peers as potentially leading to a relationship which benefitted both parties. Peers reported that helping and supporting others was a positive experience and raised their self-efficacy. Difficulty initiating contact and differing expectations of peers and RT participants were viewed as challenges. Peer mentoring could help promote RT participation among older adults.

Facilitators and challenges in delivering a peer-support physical activity intervention for older adults: a qualitative study with multiple stakeholders

“…Peer volunteers were deemed to be important motivators and enhanced single instructor-led sessions by providing additional support (as also noted elsewhere [ 15 – 19 , 21 ]). One reason for peer-support implementation is that attendees can develop a positive shared experience with their peers, staff, and volunteers [ 18 , 21 , 23 , 24 ]. Participants in the current study noted that high levels of optimism, compassion and the friendly nature shown by both the peer-support volunteers and the qualified instructor fostered increased interaction and social inclusion across the groups [ 41 ].…”

“…Previous research [ 22 ] shows the adoption of a motivational role by peer support workers improves self-efficacy, perceptions of confidence and self-determination within participants. Face-to-face and two-way communication between peers and service users has led to mutually positive relationships through increased honestly, empathy and transparency [ 23 , 24 ].…”

“…Previous studies [ 18 ] have also identified that outcomes for both peer volunteers and intervention participants need further development to ensure that a positive experience is being had. The development of peer volunteer roles has been discussed in previous studies [ 24 – 26 ]. How this is achieved requires further exploration, specifically their involvement within sessions and how this can be expanded from their perspective [ 24 ].…”

“…The development of peer volunteer roles has been discussed in previous studies [ 24 – 26 ]. How this is achieved requires further exploration, specifically their involvement within sessions and how this can be expanded from their perspective [ 24 ]. Such process information is important in aiding future replication and enhancing sustainability of future interventions [ 27 ].…”

Do Peers Increase Older Adults’ Participation in Strength Training? Pilot Randomized Trial

“…older people with knowledge and experience in the area of interest) have been linked to a person or people who have limited experience or knowledge in an area, particularly health. The aim of linking a novice with a peer is to provide an atmosphere where like-minded people can work together to improve the experience for the novice, while the peer gains benefits too, usually in helping and empowering others (Watkins, Burton, & Hill, 2019).…”