More Than Just Exercise: Older Adults' Experience of the Peer-Led Group-Based FallFitness Program

Falls threaten the health and well-being of older adults. While studies have presented effective fall prevention exercises, determining how to deliver these interventions in a way that ensures engagement and long-term sustainability is challenging. Additionally, understanding how older adults perceive and are motivated to participate in such programs is critical for broad public health promotion. This study aimed to explore older adults' experiences and perceptions regarding participation in a newly developed 8-week peer-led group-based exercise program, FallFitness.

Participants were recruited from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) exploring a newly developed 8-week peer-led group-based exercise program. A total of 2 focus groups were conducted post intervention, comprising ten participants (8 women and 2 men) from the exercise arm of the RCT. Inductive and conventional qualitative content analysis was performed.

From the interviews, 5 main categories and 6 subcategories capturing the study aim are presented. Main categories included: a) social interaction and community, more than just exercise, b) increased motivational drive and self-efficacy, c) group exercise as fun, safe, and inclusive activity, d) enhanced collaboration between healthcare providers and retirement organizations for fall prevention, and e) professional peer-led trainers.

Peer-led, well-designed group-based exercise programs can holistically support physical, emotional, and social well-being. Programs that include enjoyable, multicomponent elements, both physically and mentally stimulating, can enhance participants' motivation and adherence. Additionally, the group setting is thought to promote meaningful social interaction, which is widely recognized as important for overall well-being. From a public health perspective, collaborative models for fall prevention involving older adults as a "golden resource" should be established.

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06265480 (2024-02-08).