Perceptions of Group-Based Walks and Strategies to Inform the Development of an Intervention in Retirement Villages: Perspectives of Residents and Village Managers.
The aim of the current study was to explore perceptions of group-based walking and gather suggestions to inform the development of a group-based walking intervention among older adults in retirement villages. Twenty-four physically inactive residents (16 female, 8 male; age range: 69-88) and four managers from four retirement villages were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis revealed six broad themes: lack of motivation, values versus constraints, fears and confidence, need for structure, creating a sense of belonging, and the physical environment as a double-edged sword. Proposed intervention strategies included using trained walk leaders, using small groups, planning for flexibility, setting attainable goals, creating a routine, creating opportunities for sharing experiences, and planning a variety of walks. Group-based walking programs may be used to promote physical activity but careful planning of such programs is needed to make them appealing and feasible to a diverse group of residents.
Cecilie
C
Thøgersen-Ntoumani
Nikos
N
Ntoumanis
Hannah
H
Uren
Afroditi
A
Stathi
Catrina
C
Wold
Keith D
KD
Hill
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012179:Retirement; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*
behavior change; inductive thematic analysis; motivation; physical activity; physical environment