The proportion of older adults (60+ years) globally, is predicted to more than double between
2017 and 2050. Ageing is often associated with declining health and physical capacity, but
has the potential to be a positive experience, often termed Active Ageing or successful
ageing. The promotion of Active Ageing within the community, is important, to ensure
positive experiences of older adults, and to lessen the burden that older adults have on health
and social services. Physical activity (PA) and social support are key determinants of Active
Ageing, however, PA declines with age.
The aim of this PhD was to investigate Active Ageing in the community, through
participation in volunteer-run community activity PA and social programs. This research
adopted a case-study approach, specifically the community organisation and associated
activities, was Life Activities Clubs Victoria (LACVI). This research included two systematic
reviews (study 1), a longitudinal self-report quantitative survey study (n=35, mean age=67)
administered in three waves (baseline, six and twelve months) analysed using linear mixed
models, and four focus groups (n=24) which were analysed using thematic analysis. A
mixed-methods study synthesising results from the survey study and two focus groups (n=11)
explored the impact of participation in social and PA programs on social wellbeing, PA and
health (study 2a and b). The final qualitative study, analysed the four focus groups, including
participants from LACVI and other community activity programs (e.g. Men’s Shed). This
study explored how and why participation in PA and social programs impact wellbeing.
Study 1. The systematic reviews investigated the association between social support or social
integration and PA. In summary, social support for PA and social integration factors, having
large friendship networks, and connecting widely and regularly with people, were positively
associated with PA levels.
Study 2 a and b. Synthesis of the findings of the mixed methods study suggested that
program participation significantly reduced loneliness. In addition, participants felt they
gained social connectedness through program participation and this was especially important
at times of significant life events. The studies suggested that socially oriented PA programs
increased motivation to adhere to PA programs long term. This was supported by
maintenance of PA levels over one year in the PA groups compared to reduction over one
year in social group participants.
Study 3. The final qualitative study utilised a leisure-based model of wellbeing to explore the
aspects of program participation that older adults felt were important for their wellbeing. in
summary, older adults appreciated groups that they could identify with, in order to develop
new social contacts, with activities that gave them control, enjoyment, meaning and challenge
in their lives. The analysis suggested that both social and PA programs could provide these.
Overall, this program of research suggests that community activity programs for older adults
offer a variety of benefits for older adults and thereby promote Active Ageing, especially
when a variety of types of activity are offered in one setting, with a social focus and in a way
that older adults feel they can relate to.