Abstract
Sustainable lifestyle changes due to obesity are difficult to achieve regardless methods used. We need to know more about the lived experience of obesity and older persons’ needs for support to make a sustainable change. This paper focuses on the need-finding process in designing support for a sustainable lifestyle change. Multistage focus group interviews were conducted with persons aged 61–72 living in Northern Sweden. A participatory and appreciative reflection and action (PAAR) approach was used in the group-sessions. Probes were used to increase reflections and achieve a deeper knowledge about the participants’ needs of support. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Our findings revealed that to be able to succeed with a lifestyle change a focus has to be on a converted way of thinking, managing vulnerability, and achieving an emotional balance. To achieve a sustainable lifestyle change due to obesity in the third age the focus has to be on a health identity instead of a weight identity. Personalised support with enjoyable physical activities should be designed and developed. Strategies for emotional balance based on autonomy and self-empowerment must be included. This knowledge is important when designing support for sustainable change.
Highlights
In order to design and tailor personalised health-related applications that support sustainable lifestyle changes, we have to understand the explicit needs among the special target group
A converted way of thinking revealed a need for a changed focus from weight loss to a focus on health and activity and avoidance and reminders were needed
Our findings show that to achieve a sustainable lifestyle change due to obesity in the third age the focus has to be on a health identity instead of a weight identity
Summary
In order to design and tailor personalised health-related applications that support sustainable lifestyle changes, we have to understand the explicit needs among the special target group. A conceptualisation of user needs is a prerequisite for development of systems in information technology (IT) design [2]. The aim of the study was to explore the support needed for sustainable lifestyle changes due to obesity among persons in the third age. In Sweden, the prevalence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30) in the third age has increased in the past decade more so than among younger adults [7]. The increasing life expectancy in most countries continues to grow and the ageing population in the EU will rise from 17.1% in 2008 to 25.4% in 2035 and to 30% by 2060 [8]. The challenge of an increasing life expectancy is to remain healthy and to extend the third age, so that the fourth age (the remainder of the lifespan), which is characterised by frailty, functional loss, and cognitive decline, becomes shorter [10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
