Factors influencing commitment to maintaining long-term exercise in adults over the age of 50

Stratas, Aida; Karlis, George; Gravelle, François; Lagacé, Martine

doi:10.1080/07053436.2022.2141429

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Despite clear evidence of the benefits of physical activity generally ( 57 ), adherence to community-based physical activity programs (including those which focus on fall prevention ( 58 )) remains a major challenge ( 59 ) with approximately 50% of participants dropping out within 6 months ( 60 ). Adherence rates may be considerably higher for older people with estimates between 69 and 75%, but this figure probably reflects lower initial uptake, particularly by those who are least active ( 61 , 62 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Adherence of older people to physical activity programs is associated with individual factors such as lifelong history of physical activity, intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy; facilitator characteristics (particularly their personality, professionalism and ‘humanised’ approach); program design (including location, affordability, the use of music and tailored content); environmental considerations such as accessible equipment and welcoming facilities; social features which support a sense of belonging; and perceived physical and psycho-social benefits ( 60 , 62 , 64 ). Given that dance ticks many of these boxes, it is, perhaps not surprising that participation in dance interventions may have relatively low attrition ( 22 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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“It doesn’t feel like exercise”: a realist process evaluation of factors that support long-term attendance at dance classes designed for healthy ageing

Haynes,

Tiedemann,

Hewton

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

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IntroductionDance can positively impact older people’s health and wellbeing across cultures and socioeconomic groups, countering age-related physical, sensorimotor and cognitive decline.Background/objectivesThe RIPE (Really Is Possible for Everyone) Dance program aims to improve older people’s physical, mental, cognitive and social wellbeing by integrating engaging dance sequences with evidence-based fall prevention exercises. We sought to identify what mechanisms support observed long-term participation in this program, including by people living with challenging health conditions.MethodsFollowing a realist evaluation approach, we co-developed and tested program theories iteratively with participant interviewees (n = 20), dance teachers (n = 2) and via observation of a dance class. Initial data were dual-coded and emergent findings were interrogated by the research team. Findings were organised to express Program activities + Context + Mechanism = Process outcomes configurations.ResultsWe identified four program theories comprising 14 mechanisms which explained long-term attendance: 1. RIPE Dance benefits my body and mind (trust in the program, belief in health benefits), 2. RIPE Dance helps me feel good about myself (self-efficacy, pride in achievement, psychological safety, defying expectations, feeling valued), 3. RIPE Dance creates camaraderie (social connection, mutual support, rapport with the teacher), and 4. RIPE Dance is uplifting (raised spirits, fun, synchrony, musical reactivity).ConclusionThe RIPE Dance program provides effective and enjoyable ‘exercise in disguise’ for older people with diverse mobility profiles.Significance/implicationsThis research confirms that participation in dance can contribute significantly to healthy, happy ageing. Findings detail program activities that were most strongly associated with process outcomes, offering guidance for further program development, implementation and scaling up.

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