The role and attitude of senior leaders in promoting group-based community physical activity: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background In the context of worldwide public health, it is very important to promote physical activity among the older people. This study explored the roles and attitudes of senior leaders in promoting group-based exercise in their local communities, specifically to determine the level and extent to which to elderly participation was encouraged. Methods This study conducted semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews and employed a subsequent thematic analysis. Participants included 10 club leaders and five sub-leaders who were working at senior clubs in Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, Japan, from July to September 2018. Results Four themes emerged from the interview responses, including “unwavering attitude/conviction in relation to the vision,” “leaders must set an example,” “a search for balance in delegating responsibilities to members,” and “creating and fostering culture and environment of mutual help.” Further, each participant outlined several aims, including “achieving healthy longevity for the entire local community,” “having older people promote healthy activities among the older people,” and “creating a pro-health town.” Conclusions Findings indicate that policymakers, public health workers, and healthcare providers should recognize the pivotal roles that senior group leaders play in promoting healthy activities for the older people. These efforts should be strongly considered when developing policies and strategies designed to promote overall healthy longevity from a general community perspective.

Factors associated with community commitment among older adults: a stratified analysis of community group leaders and members

“…For example, resource mobilization was answered with respect to ward officials by leaders and with respect to community members by members. For working cooperatively with the local community surrounding the activity, this result was consistent with those reported in previous studies [ 31 ]. Additionally, participatory decision-making was only identified among members.…”

“…An approach involving interaction between leaders and members of a social group who live within the same geographic area and share the same common values and interests regarding longevity and health is more population-oriented, preventive, sustainable, and cost-effective than single-level approaches such as one-on-one treatments and interventions provided to individual older adults by doctors, nurses, and therapists [ 29 ]. Second, it is necessary to consider that the related factors differ between group leaders and group members [ 30 , 31 ]. Community group activities for health promotion in Japan are nationally, institutionally, and culturally driven by local residents rather than by the government.…”

Factors Associated With Community Commitment Among Older Adults: a Stratified Analysis of Community Group Leaders and Members

“…For example, resource mobilization was answered with respect to ward o cials by leaders and with respect to community members by members. For working cooperatively with the local community surrounding the activity, this result was consistent with those reported in previous studies [31]. Additionally, participatory decision-making was only identi ed among members.…”

“…In this study, the CCS score was approximately 1.5 times higher for the total population and approximately 1.4 times higher for members who answered "yes" to perception of a role in the group. Whereas there are reports on the importance of a group role [57,58], there are others reports cautioning against making such roles too burdensome for participants [31]. Thus, to increase community commitment, apart from thinking of leaders as advanced resources for the community, it is important to appropriate their roles so that group participants can better recognize their own roles.…”

“…An approach involving interaction between leaders and members of a social group who live within the same geographic boundaries and share the same common values and interests regarding longevity and health is widely believed to be more effective than single-level approaches [29]. Second, it is necessary to consider that the related factors differ between group leaders and group members [30,31]. Community group activities for health promotion in Japan are nationally, institutionally, and culturally driven by local residents rather than by the government.…”