Requirements for (web-based) physical activity interventions targeting adults above the age of 65 years – qualitative results regarding acceptance and needs of participants and non-participants

Abstract

Background: It remains unclear how physical activity (PA) interventions need to be designed to reach older adults and to be widely accepted in this target group. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance of a web-based PA program, including individual intervention components as well as relevant contextual factors, and to specify requirements for future interventions. Methods: Two hundred sixty-six participants of a PA intervention completed a questionnaire covering individual program components (content, structure, and context). Further, 25 episodic guided interviews focusing on reasons for (non-) participation were conducted with 8 participants and 17 non-participants. Following qualitative content analysis, different requirements were identified and organized based on the social-ecological model, resulting in a profile of requirements. Results: Based on the participants' and non-participants' statements, six different levels of requirements affecting acceptance of and successful participation in a web-based PA intervention were identified. The individual fit was influenced by an interaction of different factors at the intrapersonal, sociocultural, content, spatial, digital and organizational levels. Several ageand gender-specific requirements were noted in the interviewed older adults. Men and women, as well as younger (< 70 years) and older (≥70 years) adults differed in terms of perceived enjoyment and benefits of socializing while exercising together, the time expenditure perceived to be acceptable, previous digital skills, as well as in perceptions that ambience and accessibility of exercise facilities in the neighborhood were important.

Ecological Predictors of Older Adults’ Participation and Retention in a Physical Activity Intervention

“…In line with previous research [98], we found that individuals who were older and not employed were more likely to participate and also to complete the study. This could be because adults who are not working have greater availability and flexibility regarding scheduling than younger and non-working ones [38]. Similar to former research, we found men to be less likely to participate [29,30,96], but for those who did, there were indications (p <0.1) that they appeared to remain in the study longer than women [12].…”

“…Some studies demonstrated the importance of accessibility and proximity of facilities for PA in general [38,49] or indicated inaccessibility or lack of transport as barriers for engagement in exercise offers [50]. Given that with increasing age, individuals become more susceptible to large distances [51], inadequate access may prevent them from participation [46].…”

Exercise and COVID‐19: reasons individuals sought coaching support to assist them to increase physical activity during COVID‐19

“…The participants in this study did not express a desire to perform PA at home. A recent study indicated that online exercises could be easily integrated into everyday routines and were positively regarded by inactive adults 37 . Some of the participants in our study had tried online exercise videos, but none persisted with them.…”

What do geriatric rehabilitation patients and experts consider relevant? Requirements for a digitalised e-coach for sustainable improvement of nutrition and physical activity in older adults – a qualitative focus group study

“…The participants from these studies were older adults who were already engaged in regular physical activities and had no acute health issues. In one study examples of web-based physical activity programmes were shown to the participants and in the other study participants were interviewed after participation in a web-based training programme and also people who refused to take part in this training programme [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…In these studies, web-based physical activity programmes were presented or the participants were interviewed following the use of a health app or a web-based exercise program. The participants already had some experience with technology, the internet and also had technical devices such as computers or tablets [ 26 , 27 , 32 ].…”