Bingocize® beyond the numbers: Motivations and perceptions of a multicomponent health promotion program among older adults living in long-term care

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) participation among older adults remains the lowest of any demographic, with even lower participation rates in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). While fall risk decreases when individuals engage in PA programs focused on fall prevention, enrollment in such programs remains low. The purpose of this feasibility study was to pilot questions for development of a participant survey used to explore the perceptions and motivations of older adults currently enrolled in a health promotion program called Bingocize®. The program combines fall prevention exercises with the familiar game of bingo. Study participants included a convenience sample of four older adults currently residing in a LTCF. A phenomenological qualitative research approach using video recorded interviews was chosen for the exploratory study. Results revealed that older adults viewed the overall program as enjoyable, identifying social aspects such as intergenerational connection with program facilitators as motivation for participation. Focusing attention on these factors may assist future implementation of the intervention and to promote higher levels of participation in fall prevention programs centered on PA.