Core idea

Everyone knows that physical exercise is good for you.  The problem is that once people start an exercise program they have difficulty continuing it.  These researchers believed that social networks are associated with higher levels of physical and mental health, and therefore they created and strengthened neighborhood social networks to help sustain a walking regimen for older people.

What they say

This study tested an intervention for getting older adults (65-74) to participate in a neighborhood-based walking program.  Sixty-five percent of participants completed the program and 80% of these participants reported that they would continue to walk twice a week once the program ended.

Previous research has found that the social environment outweighs the physical environment in promoting physical activity.   Thus the researchers created activities that would foster social support and create group cohesiveness, which is related to exercise adherence. There were 30 groups of older persons.  Each group had an undergraduate student walking leader who tailored workouts to individual participant’s needs. Walking leaders provided walkers with new skills and techniques, regular feedback, Christmas cards and small gifts.  Every two weeks an exercise gerontologist sent out a newsletter. At the end of the program participants who wanted to lead the group were identified in an effort to sustain the exercise regimen after the official program had ended.

What it means

Upon completing the program participants reported that they “felt fitter,” were “able to get more done in a day,” and were “more aware of health and well-being.”  Some participants even became more involved in other physical activities.  Having the chance to be physically active in their own neighborhood was a motivating factor that led to the development of social networks.  These social networks in turn led to greater physical and mental health. One limitation of this study was the lack of a control group.  Therefore, these results need further testing before we can be sure of the program’s effect. It does appear, however, that creating a supportive social environment may be a very promising strategy for encouraging physical activity.

References

Jancey, J.M., Clarke, A., Howat, P.A., Lee, A.H., Shilton, T., & Fisher, J. (2008). “A Physical Activity Program to Mobilize Older People: A Practical and Sustainable Approach.” The Gerontologist, 48(2), 251-257.