Designing strategies to improve physical activity in older adults with age-related hearing loss in China: A...

Older adults with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) face a higher risk of disability and cognitive decline, which is associated with their lower levels of physical activity. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the reasons behind this reluctance and identify strategies to improve activity levels. Using the Behavior Change Wheel and conducting semi-structured interviews with 18 adults aged ≥60 years, the study identified 12 themes, which were mapped into six domains of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model and eight domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Key factors, such as diminished communication ability, hearing aid use, and hearing-related stigma, were found to influence physical activity participation. Six intervention functions and 19 behavior-change techniques were proposed to address these barriers and facilitators. The findings underscore critical factors impacting physical activity engagement and suggest targeted interventions to improve activity levels and health outcomes in this population.