A Nature-Based Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study Using the COM-B...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a major global health risk, contributing to over 800,000 deaths annually and linked to non-communicable diseases.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for addressing physical inactivity and promoting health.
• Older adults with chronic health conditions often face barriers to physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a group outdoor health walks (GOHW) intervention for older adults using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model.
• To understand participant engagement with the GOHW intervention and its impact on physical activity and health.
• To identify factors influencing sustained behavior change and the adoption of additional health-promoting behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of interviews with participants in a GOHW program in Scotland, UK.
• Utilized the COM-B model to examine intervention engagement and behavior change.
• Incorporated data from activity trackers to supplement interview findings.

Main Results:

• The COM-B model effectively explained engagement with GOHW and sustained physical activity.
• Participants reported improvements in perceived physical and mental health.
• Intervention fostered emergent capabilities, opportunities, and motivations for continued engagement, including self-organized walks and increased nature exposure.

Conclusions:

• Group outdoor health walks are a promising nature-based intervention for increasing physical activity and well-being in older adults.
• The COM-B model provides valuable insights for designing and evaluating such interventions.
• Findings offer guidance for engaging older adults with chronic conditions and promoting lasting health behavior change.