Retirement village physical activity and nutrition intervention process evaluation: Informing practice. (27th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jancey, Jonine; Holt, Anne‐Marie; Lee, Andy H; Kerr, Deborah A; Hart, Ellen; Robinson, Suzanne; Anderson, Annie S; Hills, Andrew P; Howat, Peter
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 37:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: E144
• Page End: E149
• Publication Date: 2018-08-27
• Subjects: healthy ageing -- independent living -- physical exercise -- physical fitness; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This process evaluation aimed to determine participants' perceptions of the strategies utilised in a six‐month intervention that set out to improve physical activity and nutrition in retirement village (RV) residents. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from intervention participants residing in 17 RVs located in Perth, Western Australia, via self‐report questionnaires (n = 139) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 16). Results: Intervention resources were moderately useful and suitable. Program ambassadors were encouraging (86%), but more frequent, and more direct, contact were preferred. The main reason for withdrawing from the program was health‐related conditions (aches, pains, injuries). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the intervention was reasonably appropriate for older adults residing in RVs. Program ambassadors were well accepted, a successful strategy that should be considered for future interventions in RVs. Increased face‐to‐face engagement was preferred, but such an approach will require greater investment. The findings contribute to a small research base concerned with health behaviour interventions in RVs.