Increasing Physical Activity in Empty Nest and Retired Populations Online: A Randomized Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Public health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Life transitions like retirement and children leaving home present opportunities to increase physical activity.
• Inactive individuals in these life stages may benefit from targeted interventions.
• Previous research indicates a need for feasible, accessible physical activity programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a web-based moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity intervention.
• To examine intervention effectiveness among recently retired individuals (RET) and parents (P) with recently departed children.
• To evaluate recruitment, retention, and satisfaction rates.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week web intervention based on the multiprocess action control framework was employed.
• Forty-six inactive retirees and nine inactive parents were randomized to an intervention or waitlist control group.
• Intervention techniques focused on multiprocess action control constructs.

Main Results:

• High enrollment, retention (RET: 83%, P: 89%), and satisfaction were observed.
• 100% of intervention participants increased moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, versus 52% of controls.
• Large effect sizes were found for multiprocess action control constructs.

Conclusions:

• The web intervention is feasible and effective for increasing physical activity in retirees.
• Recruitment challenges with parents suggest future trials should focus solely on the retired population.
• This intervention shows promise for promoting physical activity during significant life transitions.