Experiencing the ageing body in aquatic physical activity: Participants’ experiences of the ‘Swim for Health’ aquatic activity programme in the North of England.

The social conceptualisation of ageing as a costly health problem can marginalise older adults from physical activity and health practices (Vertinsky 1991, Elias 1982). ‘Swim for Health’ was a four year aquatic activity (AA) intervention completed in the North of England with the primary aim to reduce health inequalities in four target-groups, three of which included older adults. The present study investigated older adults’ perceptions and lived experiences of AA during ‘Swim for Health.’ 22 older adults (>50years) completed semi-structured individual interviews that focussed upon their perceptions and lived experiences of AA. Participants were recruited during ‘Swim for Health,’ although not all participated in AA. Findings were thematically analysed using a figurational framework. Results suggested that participants’ experiences were linked to their perceived ‘aged’ status. Participation in AA brought participants’ awareness of the ageing body to the fore as an object of display, risk and of stigmatisation. Some perceptions of physical or emotional risk were interdependent with past experiences, such as learning to swim. Others originated in the experience of being stigmatised as old and at risk, such as diagnosis of chronic illness, obesity, or self-monitoring the visible signs of ageing. This study indicates older adults understood their ability to participate in AA in relation to physical decline, increasingly limited physiological capacity, and in terms of their aged appearance being put on public display. Therefore, physical activity interventions should consider the preferences of older adults and shift away from considering older adults as patients, moving instead towards a culture of enablement

Older adults’ lifelong embodied experiences of leisure time aquatic physical activity in the United Kingdom

Aquatic physical activity has considerable benefits for older adults. However, participation rates remain low in the UK. Recognition of the importance of embodied and narrative elements of ageing has increased in recent times. Old age is considered a life stage interdependent with other, earlier life stages, rather than as a distinct period. This study used a figurational perspective to investigate older adults changing perceptions and embodied experiences of aquatic activity throughout their life courses. Perceptions were contextualized by completion of a literature review relating to the development of recreational aquatic activity in the UK. Participants were cognizant of changes in provision and envisaged purpose of aquatic activity during their lifetimes. Previous embodied experiences of aquatic activity contoured present perceptions and helped participants’ rationalize their experiences in the present context. Descriptions of positive early experiences emphasized the social and spatial context of aquatic activity. Also, negative experiences were recounted in which the olfactory and haptic elements of embodiment were described. Participants were able to recount detailed experiences of poor pool hygiene and threatening experiences of learning to swim during early experiences. The importance of support from family members in the pool environment was also outlined. The significance of lifelong experiences is recognized in relation to figurational principles, including the interweaving of long-term socialization and short-term, magnified moments and their effects on habitus development. The implications for physical activity provision in relation to the longitudinal development of older adults’ perceptions are notable

Swim for Health Evaluation: interim report

The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), along with a number of partner organisations, has been implementing a health intervention in the region of the City of Kingston upon Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. This report represents a summary of evaluation carried out upon this scheme during its first year. Descriptive statistics of the groups with whom evaluation research has taken place are presented. A number of issues begin to emerge from these; the predominance of British women in all groups, the short distances travelled on average by the groups to leisure centres and the prevalence of swimming as a favoured leisure time activity among several groups. These statistics also allude to the differences found between swimming and non-swimming groups, which are discussed below. Analysis of the timescales taken to implement activities with each of these groups was undertaken. This highlights a number of issues, including; a) the longer timescales required in building completely new partnerships compared with existing ones, b) that the level of ‘buy-in’ among partner organisations can have a large effect on the timescales taken to implement services and c) that a number of developments had to be held back early in the scheme as needs assessments were completed. The location of Swim for Health activities to date was examined. This (examination) demonstrated the geographical centrality of current services, which are largely centred on the City of Hull. This was ascribed to several reasons: a) the utilisation of existing service provision (e.g. GP referrals), which led to specific sessions in Hull, but more general actions across the East Riding, b) the relative ease of access to certain centres for Swim for Health staff compared with others and c) the level of ‘buy-in’ and support of centre managers, which tended to be high in many centres in the City of Hull. Analysis of the processes inherent in the development of the scheme was undertaken. The ‘Programme theory’ of January 2006 was re-appraised in light of the ‘Project Brief’ produced in July 2006. A number of developments are noted, for example the introduction of a fourth gateway group. Impact theory, Service Utilisation plan and the Logic Model produced in the ‘Programme theory’ are re-appraised and the scheme’s developments situated within each. Groups with whom work was discontinued are included. These analyses highlight how work in several areas has progressed well (e.g. GP referral Hull, Surestart), while in others there remains much to be done (Employees). The methods used to formulate goals are described. Goals were defined by stating a target percentage of a specific group’s population that could access a certain session. Appraisal of objectives in the Project Brief of July 2006 was completed. Comments were made regarding each. Again, this analysis highlights how work is at an advanced stage for several gateway groups (e.g. People with a range of health needs), whereas with others it is lagging behind (e.g. people in full time employment). Comments are made regarding the need to make goals more specific, defensible and measurable. In addition, the need to make one group in particular more distinct (people aged 50+) is noted in order to make accurate assessment. Potential weaknesses in the intervention are also posited, including the need for adequate staff training courses and the difficulty of engaging with employing organisations. A number of ‘lessons learned’ from the project are noted in brief. These include reasons for; a) the variable level of uptake and knowledge of the scheme among staff in partner organisations, b) the large proportion of women involved in the scheme (attributed to both the large number of ‘aqua aerobic’ type sessions introduced and the demographics of the groups currently contacted to date), c) the need to bridge the wide disparities in attitudes between current participants and non-participants in order to encourage ‘new’ participants and d) how a number of environmental and social barriers have been tackled in the scheme (self-consciousness and self-monitoring, time constraints and cost). A number of future plans are also outlined in brief. Developments are outlined for each gateway group in turn. Again, this highlights how work is at an advanced stage for some groups, whereas for others it remains at an early stage. Also, the potential for involvement in groups not already within the project’s remit are noted (e.g. school taster sessions for Y10 and Y11 students). Recommendations and conclusions are also drawn from the report. The need to produce more measurable goals is noted, as is the need to work in a wider geographical area. The need to allow adequate allocation of time for developments to occur is also made clear, as is the need to factor in the ‘lag’ between session implementation and increasing participation. This must be considered if the impact of the scheme is to be accurately assessed. Caution is also advised about future expansion from the project remit. Expansion could well detract from the level of impact on existing target groups should resources be redirected. The degree to which the project depends upon partner organisations and their staff is also noted, as is the level of power held by individual centre managers in directing the amount and type of activities in a locality. The need to share best practice across the region and enlist the support of these staff is paramount. This is linked to the greatest challenge faced by the scheme; that of changing perceptions of aquatic activity in both staff and participants

"Swim for Health": program evaluation of a multi-agency aquatic activity intervention in the United Kingdom

This study represents a program evaluation of ‘Swim for Health,’ a multi-agency partnership in two local authorities in the United Kingdom which sought to increase aquatic activity participation among four target groups. A theory-driven, scientific program evaluation model was utilised to assess if the program achieved its stated aims (Rossi et al 2003). Chronological records were maintained. Participation figures were collected and triangulated with 20 semi-structured interviews with programme stakeholders. Barriers to programme implementation included a lack of prior needs-analysis of service provision and the goals of the programme did not always match those of stakeholders. Swim for Health increased participation in three of four target groups. Program enhancements were limited by availability of staff able to deliver novel activities other than aqua aerobics. Consequently participants were primarily women. Implications for future programs are discussed

Participants' perceptions of a lifestyle approach to promoting physical activity: targeting deprived communities in Kingston-upon-Hull.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of an active lifestyle have been extensively documented and generally accepted. In the UK, declining physical activity levels are a major contributing factor to a number of public health concerns such as obesity and coronary heart disease. Clearly, there is an urgent need to support people in developing sustainable active lifestyles. In 2003, a new lifestyle-based physical activity service called Active Lifestyles (AL) was set up in Kingston-upon-Hull to help local residents to become more active and develop healthier lifestyles. The service targeted the most deprived communities in the city. The aim of the study was to explore participants' perceptions of the operation and effectiveness of the AL service. METHODS: Five focus groups were conducted in community centres and offices in the health promotion service in Kingston-upon-Hull. Sixteen white adult males (n = 5) and females (n = 11) participated in the study. Ages ranged from 15-73 years (mean age = 53 years). Data were analysed using a content analysis technique based on the 'framework' approach. RESULTS: Three broad themes emerged from the focus groups; the referral process; operational aspects of the AL service; and perceived benefits of the service. Overall, participants were extremely positive about the AL service. Many reported increased activity levels, modified eating habits, and enhanced awareness and education regarding healthier living. Most participants reported that local awareness of the AL service was low and greater promotion was required so more people could benefit. The success of the service was highly dependent upon the qualities and approach of the AL advisor. CONCLUSION: The service appears to have filled a gap in service provision since it offered support to the most sedentary, older, unfit and overweight individuals, many of whom live in the most deprived parts of Kingston-upon-Hull. Traditional exercise referral schemes that focus solely on facility-based exercise should be broadened to encompass everyday lifestyle activity, where referral to a gym or exercise facility is just one of a number of physical activity options

Do 9- to 12 yr-old children meet existing physical activity recommandations for health ?

Evaluation des niveaux de l'activité physique quotidienne d'enfants et de pré-adolescents par monitorage de la fréquence cardiaque pendant 4 jours. Problèmes d'interprétation des données, en rapport avec la durée et l'intensité de l'activité mesurée. Comparaison d'études américaines et britanniques

Swim for Health evaluation: final report

Swim for Health was a Department of Health funded project, run by the Amateur Swimming Association in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. Partners included Hull Leisure, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull & East Riding Public Health Directorates, Hull University, Humber Sports Partnership, Sport England. The project was primarily a participation based intervention, although the rationale involved reducing health inequalities among target groups. Swim for Health had four target Gateway Groups. These were • 1: People in full time employment, • 2: Pre-school aged Children and their families • 3: People over the age of 50 years • 4: People with specific health needs. After the first two years of the project, Swim for Health accounted for 1.4% of the total aquatic participation in Hull. The impact of Swim for Health on aquatic participation in the East Riding was less clear, but additional attendances were in evidence among a number of groups. Developments in Gateway Group 1 were limited by poor uptake among contacted employers. In addition, where work progressed to the consultation stage, employees showed little demand for a work based programme of aquatic activity. Swim for Health therefore failed to achieve its goals with Gateway Group 1. Developments in Gateway Group 2 progressed well with a number of Sure Start organisations. Sure Start swimming programmes were launched in Gipsyville and Newington, Bridlington and Goole. Contact was also made with two more groups in Hull without further action due to poor uptake. In addition, new groups were planned in Driffield and Pocklington. Key barriers to participation in aquatic activity for families were addressed as part of this work, and two groups (Goole and Bridlington) were considered a success. This meant that many of Swim for Health’s goals for Gateway Group 2 were achieved or were close to completion, but not all. Developments for Gateway Group 3 reached an advanced stage in Hull, but were more varied in the East Riding. The close overlap between Gateway Groups 3 and 4 meant that in Hull, the over 50s participated in sessions at all but one centre. Many of these sessions reached sustainable levels, particularly Age concern in the East of the city. In the East Riding, the lack of a concession system for older adults made impact more difficult to assess, and many of the services offered for the over 50s doubled as services for people with health needs. Several of these sessions were considered successful, although many developments did not occur until late in the project. Barriers to participation among the over 50s were examined and addressed in a number of cases. Hence, many of Swim for Health’s goals were achieved for Gateway Group 3 in Hull, while in the East Riding achievement was more varied. Developments for Gateway Group 4 were extensive in Hull, and more varied in the East Riding. GP Exercise Referral aqua in Hull expanded beyond the expectations of many, and next steps had to be negotiated during the project. Additional sessions were run for people with learning difficulties, severe and enduring mental health needs and the blind. In the East Riding, sessions were run that targeted both older adults and people with health needs together. However, data available for GP Exercise Referral in the East Riding suggest that few people in Gateway Group 4 accessed these sessions at most sites. Therefore, it was concluded that Swim for Health achieved the majority of its aims in Hull, but was less successful in the East Riding. The organisation and development of the project was contoured by a number of barriers. These included difficulties in communication between partner organisations, a varied level of support from stakeholders and participants, a lack of needs assessment prior to the project and a paucity of trained staff that could instruct on activities other than swimming lessons and aquafit. A number of key lessons were learned from the development of Swim for Health. These included the requirement for needs assessment and staff training to be undertaken prior to a project. In addition, a participation based rationale is recommended with contextually applicable goals. The formulation of these goals needs involvement of stakeholders at an early stage. In addition the need for ongoing and detailed communication was noted. Finally, a sensitive approach to increasing access that takes into account the needs and preferences of target participants was found to be beneficial in increasing participation. In aquatic activity, these needs and preferences were not always in tune with a health based rationale. It was concluded that Swim for Health provided an excellent base for future aquatic activity interventions. A number of key lessons were learned from this pilot project. Should these lessons be put into practice, there would be scope for aquatic activity interventions based upon inclusion and participation among certain target groups in the UK

Older adults’ lifelong embodied experiences of leisure time aquatic physical activity in the United Kingdom

Aquatic physical activity has considerable benefits for older adults. However, participation rates remain low in the United Kingdom (UK). Recognition of the importance of embodied and narrative elements of ageing has increased in recent times. Old age is considered a life stage interdependent with other, earlier life stages, rather than as a distinct period. This study uses a figurational perspective to investigate older adults’ changing perceptions and embodied experiences of aquatic activity throughout their life courses. Selective memories of perceptions were contextualised by completion of a literature review relating to the development of recreational aquatic activity in the UK. Participants were cognizant of changes in provision and envisaged purpose of aquatic activity during their lifetimes. Previous embodied experiences of aquatic activity contoured present perceptions and helped participants rationalise their experiences in the present context. Descriptions of positive early experiences emphasised the social and spatial context of aquatic activity. Also, negative experiences were recounted in which the olfactory and haptic elements of embodiment were described. Participants were able to recount detailed experiences of poor pool hygiene and threatening experiences of learning to swim during early experiences. The importance of support from family members in the pool environment was also outlined. The significance of lifelong experiences is discussed in relation to figurational principles, including the interweaving of long-term socialisation and short-term, magnified moments and their effects on habitus development. The implications for physical activity provision are discussed in relation to the development of older adults’ perceptions