Social support among older adults in group physical activity programs

Zimmer, Chantelle; McDonough, Meghan H.; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann M.; Din, Cari; Crocker, Peter R.E.; Bennett, Erica V.

doi:10.1080/10413200.2022.2055223

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…That is, on days women perceived more tangible support, they typically did more steps and light physical activity. This is consistent with research investigating social support in older adult exercise groups [49], whereby older adults reported that the tangible assistance (e.g., materials that help facilitate exercise) that group members provided was important to facilitate their own exercise behaviors. In the current study, all peers connected virtually, as such tangible support likely included online provisions such as scheduling advice, planning, and sharing of online applications and online workouts.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis

Murray

Smith-Turchyn

Vani

et al. 2023

Support Care Cancer

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Purpose Exercise and social support are non-pharmacological strategies that improve health and wellbeing in women treated for breast cancer (WTBC). However, strategies to facilitate support and exercise in WTBC are typically resource intensive. The purpose of this study was to examine whether various forms of social support received from a matched peer were associated with increased exercise among WTBC. Methods A daily diary study was conducted to examine naturally occurring social support as it relates to daily exercise behavior. Forty-six WTBC were matched (23 pairs) and completed pre-screening survey assessing eligibility and baseline levels of exercise. Participants were given Fitbit devices to track physical activity behavior and completed daily surveys across 3 weeks assessing perceptions of exercise-related social support at fixed times at the end of each day. Results Mixed models accounting for day of study, baseline support, and baseline exercise levels revealed that higher levels of daily exercise-related tangible social support were associated with more daily steps (b = 506, SE = 143) and more light physical activity (LPA) minutes (b = 7.01, SE = 3.15). Informational social support was associated with higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes (b = 3.18, SE = 1.60). Conclusions Overall, peer matching programs aimed at increasing exercise-related social support among WTBC might encourage exercise behaviors, especially among women who share exercise-specific information (e.g., benefits, type, activities).

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis

Murray

Smith-Turchyn

Vani

et al. 2023

Support Care Cancer

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“…Previous research shows that older adults prefer PA in a group setting ( Beauchamp et al, 2007 ), which motivates increased PA frequency and intensity ( Lindsay-Smith et al, 2019 ) and provides benefits from the social support ( Maula et al, 2019 ). Further, engaging in group-setting PA provides an opportunity for socialization and using social relationships to continue completing PA ( Maula et al, 2019 ; Zimmer et al, 2022 ). Simply put, without the environment and social structure to support PA, some older adults just stop or reduce PA.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes to Physical Activity Levels in Adults Aged 50+ in the First Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Baughn

Grimes

Kachadoorian

2022

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine

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The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ PA nearly 6 months into the pandemic. Approximately 230 interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of participants (22.1% Black and 10.8% Hispanic). Data were transcribed in fall 2020 and analyzed using NVivo 12. Overall, most older adults (54.6%) interviewed reported no change in their PA, often reporting that their work kept them active. Decreases in PA for older adults (42.7%) were attributed to little social connectedness and stay-at-home restrictions. The few reporting an increase in PA (2.6%) had more time available to be active, including setting goals while staying home. This data provides an insight on how COVID-19 impacted PA levels for older adults. These findings can inform tailored interventions to promote PA during the pandemic.

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“…O’Brien Cousins [ 79 , 80 ] and Wilcox et al [ 30 ] both found a positive association between SOSU for PA and PA in women. Focus groups highlighted the importance of SOSU for PA as a facilitator for older adults to engage in group exercise [ 81 ] and for older women to engage in strength training [ 27 ]. In general, most studies support a significant positive association between SOSU for PA and actual levels of PA [ 82 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Qualitative studies [ 22 , 25 , 81 , 93 – 99 ] and a mixed methods study [ 100 ] have also highlighted the importance of emotional SOSU. Huffman et al highlighted its role in re-engagement and maintenance of PA in the USA [ 93 ], while Wahlich et al found that the presence of friends and family was crucial in motivating older adults to engage in PA by providing encouragement and support to try new exercises in the UK [ 99 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Numerous mixed methods [ 67 , 97 , 100 ] and qualitative studies [ 81 , 94 , 95 , 99 , 102 – 104 , 108 , 115 – 122 ] have also highlighted the importance of companionship SOSU for PA. These studies underline the positive effects of group exercise, friendship formation, being part of a set group, and increased social interaction as facilitators of PA engagement.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physical activity and functional social support in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

Steinhoff,

Reiner

2024

BMC Public Health

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Background Globally, the population of older people is increasing and is estimated to reach nearly 2.1 billion by 2050. Physical activity (PA) is one of the key components for successful ageing. However, PA decreases with age and many older adults do not meet PA guidelines. Previous research has shown that social support (SOSU) is related to PA in older people. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and map all of the available evidence and to explore the association between functional SOSU and PA in older adults. Functional SOSU consists of emotional, informational, instrumental and companionship SOSU and social comparison. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna-Briggs manual. Quantitative and qualitative studies investigating associations between functional SOSU and PA levels in older adults (mean age ≥ 60 years) were identified through a systematic search in seven electronic databases up to August 2023. After removing duplicates, 20,907 articles were screened for titles and abstracts. The results were analysed separately for different types of SOSU. Results 116 articles met the inclusion criteria; 72% were quantitative studies and 28% were qualitative studies. Most studies used self-reported PA measures, only 23% of the studies used objective-reported PA measures. Most studies of SOSU for PA reported positive associations but the evidence is inconclusive when the source of support is considered. PA is positively associated with general, emotional, informational, and companionship SOSU, while instrumental support may occasionally be negatively associated. Companionship support is particularly influential on PA, especially in group settings, as it promotes social connectedness. Qualitative studies show that social comparison also supports PA. Different forms of SOSU generally show positive associations with PA. Conclusions While the evidence on the association between functional SOSU and PA is mixed, most studies show that there is a positive association. PA may also be a strategy for improving social contact and social integration. This study offers a comprehensive overview of measures for SOSU and PA and thereby informs future research and policy-making.

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Social support among older adults in group physical activity programs

Cited by 12 publications

References 40 publications

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis

Changes to Physical Activity Levels in Adults Aged 50+ in the First Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Physical activity and functional social support in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

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