Connect Active Programme (CAP): A Pilot RCT to Enhance Physical Activity and Intergenerational Relationships Through...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Sedentary lifestyles are prevalent across all age groups due to societal and technological shifts.
• Excessive sitting time negatively impacts physical and psychological well-being.
• Intergenerational connections are crucial for societal cohesion and individual health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Connective Active Programme (CAP) effectiveness in enhancing intergenerational relationships.
• To assess CAP's impact on psychological well-being and physical fitness in older adults.
• To address sedentary behaviors across different generations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot trial involving 20 older-younger adult dyads.
• Experimental group: 6 weeks of dyadic walking sessions with digital support.
• Control group: Weekly digital pamphlets.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in younger participants' intergenerational relationship quality.
• Enhanced 6-Minute Walk Test performance in older adults.
• Improved WHOQOL-BREF scores indicating better psychological well-being for older adults.

Conclusions:

• The Connective Active Programme (CAP) is a promising strategy for improving intergenerational bonds.
• CAP facilitates healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults.
• Digital and physical activity interventions can bridge generational gaps.