Active Ageing in The Community. Exploring the Role of Community Activity Groups for Older Adults for Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

The proportion of older adults (60+ years) globally, is predicted to more than double between \n2017 and 2050. Ageing is often associated with declining health and physical capacity, but \nhas the potential to be a positive experience, often termed Active Ageing or successful \nageing. The promotion of Active Ageing within the community, is important, to ensure \npositive experiences of older adults, and to lessen the burden that older adults have on health \nand social services. Physical activity (PA) and social support are key determinants of Active \nAgeing, however, PA declines with age. \nThe aim of this PhD was to investigate Active Ageing in the community, through \nparticipation in volunteer-run community activity PA and social programs. This research \nadopted a case-study approach, specifically the community organisation and associated \nactivities, was Life Activities Clubs Victoria (LACVI). This research included two systematic \nreviews (study 1), a longitudinal self-report quantitative survey study (n=35, mean age=67) \nadministered in three waves (baseline, six and twelve months) analysed using linear mixed \nmodels, and four focus groups (n=24) which were analysed using thematic analysis. A \nmixed-methods study synthesising results from the survey study and two focus groups (n=11) \nexplored the impact of participation in social and PA programs on social wellbeing, PA and \nhealth (study 2a and b). The final qualitative study, analysed the four focus groups, including \nparticipants from LACVI and other community activity programs (e.g. Men’s Shed). This \nstudy explored how and why participation in PA and social programs impact wellbeing. \nStudy 1. The systematic reviews investigated the association between social support or social \nintegration and PA. In summary, social support for PA and social integration factors, having \nlarge friendship networks, and connecting widely and regularly with people, were positively \nassociated with PA levels. \nStudy 2 a and b. Synthesis of the findings of the mixed methods study suggested that \nprogram participation significantly reduced loneliness. In addition, participants felt they \ngained social connectedness through program participation and this was especially important \nat times of significant life events. The studies suggested that socially oriented PA programs \nincreased motivation to adhere to PA programs long term. This was supported by \nmaintenance of PA levels over one year in the PA groups compared to reduction over one \nyear in social group participants. \nStudy 3. The final qualitative study utilised a leisure-based model of wellbeing to explore the \naspects of program participation that older adults felt were important for their wellbeing. in \nsummary, older adults appreciated groups that they could identify with, in order to develop \nnew social contacts, with activities that gave them control, enjoyment, meaning and challenge \nin their lives. The analysis suggested that both social and PA programs could provide these. \nOverall, this program of research suggests that community activity programs for older adults \noffer a variety of benefits for older adults and thereby promote Active Ageing, especially \nwhen a variety of types of activity are offered in one setting, with a social focus and in a way \nthat older adults feel they can relate to.