The role and attitude of senior leaders in promoting group-based community physical activity: a qualitative study

Hiroko Komatsu,Kaori Yagasaki,Yasuhiro Komatsu,Yuko Oguma,Yoshinobu Saito

doi:10.1186/s12877-020-01795-2

Abstract

BackgroundIn the context of worldwide public health, it is very important to promote physical activity among the older people. This study explored the roles and attitudes of senior leaders in promoting group-based exercise in their local communities, specifically to determine the level and extent to which to elderly participation was encouraged.MethodsThis study conducted semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews and employed a subsequent thematic analysis. Participants included 10 club leaders and five sub-leaders who were working at senior clubs in Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, Japan, from July to September 2018.ResultsFour themes emerged from the interview responses, including “unwavering attitude/conviction in relation to the vision,” “leaders must set an example,” “a search for balance in delegating responsibilities to members,” and “creating and fostering culture and environment of mutual help.” Further, each participant outlined several aims, including “achieving healthy longevity for the entire local community,” “having older people promote healthy activities among the older people,” and “creating a pro-health town.”ConclusionsFindings indicate that policymakers, public health workers, and healthcare providers should recognize the pivotal roles that senior group leaders play in promoting healthy activities for the older people. These efforts should be strongly considered when developing policies and strategies designed to promote overall healthy longevity from a general community perspective.

Highlights

In the context of worldwide public health, it is very important to promote physical activity among the older people
Our previous work have already found that older adults can achieve balanced health in the physical, mental, and social domains through regular group exercises as part of a community-wide physical activity (PA) intervention, which contributed to community expansion through social connectedness and mutual support [15]
This study interviewed 15 total participants (10 leaders and five assistant leaders) who were working at senior clubs in Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, Japan

Summary

Introduction

In the context of worldwide public health, it is very important to promote physical activity among the older people. The older people demographic has become a critical target for public health interventions [2] In this regard, regular physical activity (PA) provides a range of health benefits for older adults. Research has found that some strategies aimed at facilitating PA may improve the reach and effectiveness of interventions at the community level. Other research has emphasized that older people can maintain health by achieving social capital through social engagement via activities such as group exercise [14]. Our previous work have already found that older adults can achieve balanced health in the physical, mental, and social domains through regular group exercises as part of a community-wide PA intervention, which contributed to community expansion through social connectedness and mutual support [15]. The essential elements and styles needed for such leadership have not yet been elucidated

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion