Satisfaction with community walking program (Walk On!): Older adults and program leaders' perspective

Community-based programs play a critical role in providing frail older adults with a safe environment to engage in physical activity. Satisfaction is a key indicator of such programs' acceptability while also playing a significant role in older adults' long-term participation in physical activity. Moreover, program leaders' satisfaction with training and confidence in program delivery are essential for ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of community-based programs. The Walk On! program is a 12-week structured community-based program consisting of 24 sessions each lasting 60 min, designed for older adults with mobility challenges. Evaluating older adults' satisfaction with the Walk On program and program leaders' satisfaction with the training is crucial for informing strategies to facilitate broader dissemination and sustained implementation.

To evaluate older adults' (1) satisfaction with the Walk On! program, (2) perceived benefits on walking ability and overall well-being, and (3) program leaders' satisfaction with the Walk On! training.

Pilot implementation trial.

Four community organization sites located in North Carolina, USA.

42 older adult participants (mean age 79 years old; 87% female) and 9 all-female program leaders.

Older adult participants' survey was completed at the end of the 12-week program cycle. Program leaders' survey was completed at the end of the training workshops.

Older adult participants reported high satisfaction with the Walk On! program (n = 42, 100%), and perceived improvements across multiple domains: including strength and endurance, social support and enjoyment, walking confidence, self-efficacy and goal setting, and balance after program participation. All program leaders (n = 9) rated the training as either excellent (67%) or good (33%) and reported that the training was relevant and provided adequate preparation to lead the Walk On!

The Walk On! program was acceptable and perceived as impactful among older adult participants, and program leaders were highly satisfied with the Walk On! training. Together, these positive findings support the scaling and expansion of Walk On! into additional community settings.