Citation

McPhate L, Simek EM, Haines TP, Hill KD, Finch CF, Day L. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2015; 24(1): 129-138.

Affiliation

Physiotherapy Department, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2014-0168

PMID

26215164

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Group exercise has been shown to be effective in preventing falls; however, adherence to these interventions is often poor. Older adults' preferences for how these programs can be delivered are unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To identify older people's preferences for how group exercise programs for falls prevention can be delivered.

DESIGN: A two-wave, cross-sectional, state-wide telephone survey was undertaken. Respondents were community-dwelling men and women aged 70+, in Victoria, Australia.

METHODS: Open ended questions were asked in order to elicit information regarding respondent preferences of the program, which were analysed using a framework approach.

RESULTS: Ninety-seven respondents completed the follow-up survey. The results indicate that older adults most frequently report the short term advantages and disadvantages when describing their preferences for group exercise, such as enjoyment, social interaction and leader qualities. Longer term advantages such as falls prevention were described less frequently.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the importance of interpersonal skills, and that the opportunity for social interaction should not be overlooked as a positive feature of a group exercise program.

Language: en