Physical Activity Programming for Older Adults in Assisted Living: Residents’ Perspectives

Abstract

Decreasing sedentary behavior and increasing light physical activity could promote the maintenance of functional abilities for older adults in assisted living (AL). The purpose of this qualitative study was to gather residents’ recommendations about a proposed self-efficacy enhancing intervention to replace sedentary behavior with light physical activity. We interviewed 20 residents (mean age 83.1; 60% women). Topics included their current activities and thoughts about physical activity. We presented the intervention and asked questions to inform its modification. Data were analyzed with content and thematic analysis. Specific recommendations included shorter one-hour sessions and framing the intervention as increasing light physical activity rather than decreasing sedentary behavior. The thematic analysis identified multiple factors that could influence intervention implementation, including motivation to be active, safety concerns, ageist attitudes about physical activity, varying abilities of residents, social influences, and limited opportunities for physical activity. These results will inform physical activity intervention implementation for AL residents.

The Quiet Epidemic: An Overview of Emerging Qualitative Research Trends on Sedentary Behavior in Aging Populations

“…This fear stems from the idea that their bodies may be more vulnerable to strain or injury as they age [50,54]. Studies have shown the impact of these fears on older adults' willingness to participate in SB reduction programs [42,47,48,54,60]. These studies highlight the importance of addressing these concerns and ensuring the safety and appropriateness of program activities for older adults.…”

“…Lack of motivation, a strong preference for sedentary activities, and deeply ingrained sedentary habits are also significant barriers for older adults to reduce their SB. Some studies have shown that it is difficult to motivate older adults to change their SB because they enjoy sedentary activities such as reading, watching television, or hobbies that require little physical exertion [42,43,47,48,60]. Therefore, it is important to find alternative, nonsedentary activities that are enjoyable and personally meaningful to older people.…”

“…They often have busy schedules that revolve around caring for loved ones, maintaining social relationships, or meeting other family obligations. These time constraints and family obligations limit their time and energy for actively participating in SB reduction programs or incorporating physical activity into their daily routines [42,43,47,48,60]. Recognizing and addressing these time and family constraints is critical in SB interventions that align with the realistic and feasible demands of older adults' busy lives.…”

“…The lack of a support network makes it difficult for them to find guidance and encouragement on their SB reduction journey, resulting in lower motivation and poorer adherence to the program. In addition, the lack of a support network can lead to a lack of accountability, as there is no one to check progress, celebrate successes, or provide gentle reminders when motivation wanes [42,43,47,48,60]. To overcome this barrier, it is important to create opportunities for group activities such as group classes or community events, as these can serve as a platform for reducing sedentary time and fostering social relationships.…”

“…This social support network played an important role in maintaining their motivation and commitment to the program as participants received encouragement and inspiration from their peers and leaders. Participation in these programs not only promoted social contact, but also counteracted social isolation as older adults participated in group activities, interacted with peers, and pursued common goals [43,48,60]. Furthermore, participants became more aware of the social norms that promote excessive sitting, which led some to change their socialization patterns and adjust the amount of time they spend with others, ultimately reducing SB [43].…”