[Feedback on the implementation of a departmental physical activity project for the elderly]

Regular physical activity is nowadays recognized as one of the keys for ageing well. A number of interventions are therefore developed for this target group. The goal of this study was to examine the establishment and impact of a structured physical activity program for subjects aged 60 or more on a departmental scale and according to the point of view of different actors engaged.

The PAS Project (Prévention Active Senior), coordinated by a resource and expertise center, consisted of conceiving and implementing a structured physical activity program for subjects aged 60 or more. In every municipality, the program was conducted by a local sports instructor in partnership with a municipal representative. It consisted of 3 weekly sessions of physical activity (2 supervised and 1 individual) over a period of 3 months. The data was collected thanks to the tools developed for the evaluation.

The program was conducted in 27 municipalities. A total of 586 participants enrolled in the program and 439 completed the final evaluation. This project allowed for the improvement of three main physical capacities (endurance, muscular strength, and balance) for most of the participants. At the end of the program, more than 50% of municipalities created or supported a long term physical activity offer for elderly.

This study highlights the need of adapting this kind of intervention to the local context. It confirmed the interest of a combined individual and more general approach, as well as a cross-sectorial work in order to create the conditions for sustainable daily physical activity for the target group.