World Aging Lessons Learned: Engaging Older Adults in International Activities in Increase Physical Activity Levels

Please refer to the pdf version of the abstract located adjacent to the title

Older People’s Adherence to Community-Based Group Exercise Programmes: A Multiple-Case Study

Physical inactivity is a global phenomenon, with estimates of one in four adults not being active enough to achieve health benefits, thus heightening the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. In order to realise the health and wellbeing gains associated with physical activity the behaviour must be sustained. Community-based group exercise programmes (CBGEP) utilising social support have been shown to be one means of not only increasing activity levels for older people, but sustaining physical activity. A mixed-methods systematic review revealed a gap in the literature around older people’s long-term adherence to real-life CBGEP within a UK context. This study therefore sought to address this gap by understanding older people’s ongoing adherence to CBGEP with a view to gaining further insight about which factors contribute to enabling people to sustain their physical activity levels. A multiple case study research design was employed to understand older people’s (≥ 60 years, n=27) adherence (≥ 69%, for ≥ 1 year) to three current CBGEP in the South- West of England. Qualitative data (participant observation, focus groups, documents, and interviews) were collected and analysed using inductive thematic analysis followed by the analytic technique of explanation building. In order to gain deeper insights into adherence, the humanisation framework was utilised in an a priori manner to further understand adherence from a humanising perspective. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and used to set the context of the study. This study found that older people’s adherence to CBGEP was mediated through six factors: factors relating to the individual, the instructor, programme design, social features, participant perceived benefits, and a humanised exercise environment. These all served to explain older people’s adherence to CBGEP. The humanising qualities of these CBGEP must be considered if we wish to support older people in sustaining a physically active lifestyle as they age. These findings are of interest to practitioners and policy makers in how CBGEP serve to aid older people in maintaining a physically active lifestyle with a view to preventing non-communicable diseases and in maintaining social connectivity

KINECTing Generations to Physical Activity

Duszak, E., Sullivan, J., Orsega-Smith, E. University of Delaware, Newark, DE Purpose: The purpose our project was to determine if older adults demonstrate increased balance, coordination and social opportunity after participating in an exercise program using the Xbox Kinect with their grandchildren. Methods: Participants consisted of 7 older adults (6 females and 1 male) and 7 kids (3 females and 4 males). Average age of the older adults was 72 (69 to 81 years) and the average age of the grandchildren was 13 (9-16 years). Pre and post test questionnaires for the older adults consisted of: Satisfaction with Life Scale, Godin Physical Activity Scale, Rating Activities of Daily Living, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Falls Self-Efficacy Scale. Functional tests (timed-up-and-go, chair stands and the Berg Balance Test) were conducted in order to track their progress throughout the program. All participants wore an accelerometer for a period of seven days to track their physical activity during and outside of the program. Results: There were significant improvements in Berg balance (t=3.02, pConclusion: The results of this study suggest that Xbox Kinect exercise programs in senior centers may increase daily caloric expenditure and balance in older adults and interaction with their grandchildren can enhance this experience

Challenging Balance in Older Adults Using the Wii Fit Balance Program

Farrell, A., Orsega-Smith, E., Ferguson, J., Plante, K. University of Delaware, Newark, DE Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a Wii Fit Balance program on older adults’ functional balance and measures of balance perceptions. Methods: Sixteen community dwelling older adults from local senior centers (81% females and 19% males) with an average age of 75 years played Wii Balance games for 30 minutes once a week. Additionally they were given specific balance exercises to complete at home. In the first and last week of the program, the older adults completed pre and post tests. The questionnaires included the following: Satisfaction with Life Scale, Godin Physical Activity Scale, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Falls Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Rating Activities of Daily Living. Functional balance was assessed through the timed up-and-go, chair stands, and the Berg Balance Test. A sub-study was conducted where nine participants were given an accelerometer to wear on their right hip for one week. Results: There was a significant difference pre-post testing in the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (t= 2.81, pConclusions:The results of this study indicate that the Wii Fit Balance Program improved the older adults’ confidence level when participating in specific balance activities. The study also suggests that there was a positive relationship between the older adults’ perceived balance and their actual balance. However, further research should be conducted to determine if this program can make significant improvements in regards to functional balance. Research funded by University of Delaware Summer Service Learning 2013