Community Group-Based Physical Activity Programs for Immigrant Older Adults: A Systematic Realist Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Community Interventions

Background:

• Physical activity programs often fail to address the specific needs of older immigrant adults.
• Understanding the success factors for these programs is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and explain the mechanisms, contexts, and outcomes of community group-based physical activity programs for older immigrant adults.
• To develop and refine a program theory guiding intervention design.

Main Methods:

• Systematic realist review utilizing Social Cognitive Theory and extensive literature searches across multiple databases.
• Program theory development through prior research, expert consultation, and refinement via systematic review.
• Appraisal of 22 sources using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Main Results:

• Identified eight context-mechanism-outcome configurations crucial for program success.
• Highlighted the importance of facilitator characteristics, safe spaces, group dynamics, and social support.
• Found limitations in the quantity and quality of available evidence.

Conclusions:

• Effective physical activity programs for older immigrants must enhance physical and psychological safety.
• Maximizing opportunities for role modeling and socialization is key to program success.
• Interventions need to be sensitive to the unique circumstances of older immigrant populations.