Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective: The Residents in Action Trial (RiAT; ACTRN12616001177448) was a 16-week motivationally-embellished peer-led walking intervention designed to increase walking, reduce sitting, and improve mental health and well-being in insufficiently active residents in retirement villages. In this paper we report on 1) trial feasibility and acceptability, and 2) evaluate the processes involved in the implementation of the intervention using the RE-AIM framework.Method: A mixed methods design was employed, consisting of data from accelerometers, surveys, (individual, pair-based and focus group) interviews, and participant logbooks. Participants included 116 walkers (M(SD) age = 78.37(8.30); 92% female), 8 peer leaders (i.e. ambassadors) and 3 retirement village managers from 14 retirement villages. Descriptives and linear mixed modelling were used to analyse the quantitative data and inductive thematic analyses were employed to analyse the interview data.Results: The intended cluster randomised controlled design became quasi-experimental due to insufficient numbers of recruited ambassadors. The perceived burden of the number and frequency of research assessments was a frequently mentioned reason for a poor recruitment. Facilitators to walking maintenance were the use of self-monitoring, goal setting, social support, and having a routine. Reach was modest (about 14% of eligible participants were recruited from each village), but retention was excellent (92%). The motivational strategies taught appeared to have been implemented, at least in part, by the ambassadors. The walkers in the main experimental condition increased marginally their step counts, but there were no group differences on mental health and well-being outcomes, partly because of low statistical power.Conclusions: Walkers and ambassadors who did take part in the study suggested that they enjoyed the programme and found it useful in terms of becoming more active and making social connections. However, the group format was not appealing to some participants, hence, other delivery options should be explored in the future.
Highlights
Older adults represent a growing proportion of the population, and it is estimated that by 2050, 16% of the global population will be aged 65 and older (World Health Organisation, 2011)
A sizeable proportion of older adults relocate to retirement villages in many parts of the Western World, and given the changing demographics, the number of individuals moving into retirement villages is likely to increase
In Western Australia, for example, it was found that only 27% of residents in a wide range of retirement villages met physical activity recommendations for health, as assessed via accelerometers (Nathan, Wood, & Giles-Corti, 2014)
Summary
Older adults represent a growing proportion of the population, and it is estimated that by 2050, 16% of the global population will be aged 65 and older (World Health Organisation, 2011). This development promises many societal benefits and many challenges. In Western Australia, for example, it was found that only 27% of residents in a wide range of retirement villages met physical activity recommendations for health, as assessed via accelerometers (Nathan, Wood, & Giles-Corti, 2014)
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
