Strategies for Enhancing Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behaviour in Older Adults: Insights From the Join4Joy Project
Abstract
Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB) in older adults is a growing public health concern, particularly in community and long-term care settings. The Join4Joy project was developed to reduce SB and promote physical activity (PA) among older adults through inclusive, co-created, and group-based interventions. This study aimed to identify which activities within the Join4Joy project were most and least effective, based on PA facilitators’ experiences across two pilot phases.
Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using responses from semi-structured questionnaires completed by 12 PA facilitators across two pilots in five European countries. Facilitators reflected on the activities they delivered, indicating which they found most and least well-received by older adults, and explained the underlying reasons.
Results: Successful activities were characterised as engaging, socially interactive, adaptable, and enjoyable. Examples included Scape Room, Zumba (with music choice), Adapted Volleyball, Simon Says (simplified), and Adapted Fishing. These activities aligned with Join4Joy’s principles of empowerment, personalisation, and social inclusion. In contrast, activities such as Circuit Training, Guess Who?, Storytelling with Movement, and Complex Obstacle Courses were perceived as less effective due to cognitive overload, lack of clarity, or excessive physical intensity. Environmental limitations were also identified as barriers.
Conclusion: Facilitators’ insights highlight the value of flexible, enjoyable, and socially engaging PA activities tailored to the cognitive and physical abilities of older adults. These findings can guide the refinement of future PA programmes aiming to reduce SB and improve the wellbeing of older populations.
Keywords: Active ageing, group exercise, facilitator feedback, inclusive intervention
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