Sustainable Lifestyle Change—Participatory Design of Support Together with Persons with Obesity in the Third Age

Abstract

Sustainable lifestyle changes due to obesity are difficult to achieve regardless methods used. We need to know more about the lived experience of obesity and older persons’ needs for support to make a sustainable change. This paper focuses on the need-finding process in designing support for a sustainable lifestyle change. Multistage focus group interviews were conducted with persons aged 61–72 living in Northern Sweden. A participatory and appreciative reflection and action (PAAR) approach was used in the group-sessions. Probes were used to increase reflections and achieve a deeper knowledge about the participants’ needs of support. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Our findings revealed that to be able to succeed with a lifestyle change a focus has to be on a converted way of thinking, managing vulnerability, and achieving an emotional balance. To achieve a sustainable lifestyle change due to obesity in the third age the focus has to be on a health identity instead of a weight identity. Personalised support with enjoyable physical activities should be designed and developed. Strategies for emotional balance based on autonomy and self-empowerment must be included. This knowledge is important when designing support for sustainable change.

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“…When there was a conflict in a group, the participants had smaller weight reduction 19 . In a study among older adults, researchers found that group interventions for weight reduction must focus on social activities and health identity instead of a weight identity 20 . Reflection concerning the way of living related to the emotional balance, as one part of the support in a group, contributed to sustainable weight reduction.…”

“… 19 In a study among older adults, researchers found that group interventions for weight reduction must focus on social activities and health identity instead of a weight identity. 20 Reflection concerning the way of living related to the emotional balance, as one part of the support in a group, contributed to sustainable weight reduction. The weight change was more considerable if the individual focused on health and well‐being instead of an identity focus determined by weight.…”