Social Connections Are Key to Enhancing Senior Fitness, Study Finds

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

As we age, staying active becomes crucial for maintaining physical health, managing chronic conditions, and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Despite the known benefits, less than 16% of older adults meet the recommended levels of physical activity. A significant barrier to this is a lack of knowledge about which behavior change strategies effectively encourage lasting increases in physical activity. The Ready Steady 3.0 study published in JAMA Network sheds light on this issue by exploring the impact of intrapersonal and interpersonal behaviour change strategies on physical activity among older adults.

Intrapersonal behavior change strategies (BCS) focus on individual actions like goal setting and planning, aiming to boost self-efficacy and self-regulation. Interpersonal BCSs, on the other hand, leverage the power of social interactions, including peer support and social learning, to motivate activity. While both strategies have been linked to increased physical activity, evidence on their effectiveness and interaction is limited.

RS 3.0, a community-based randomized intervention trial, sought to fill this gap. It compared the effects of intrapersonal and interpersonal BCSs on physical activity in older adults, using a combination of an evidence-based physical activity protocol and a wearable monitor. With 309 participants enrolled, the study found that those who engaged in interpersonal BCSs showed significantly greater improvements in physical activity levels, including daily step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, than those who did not.

Interestingly, the study revealed that while interpersonal BCSs led to sustained increases in PA, intrapersonal BCSs alone did not significantly change PA levels. This underscores the potential of social connections and peer support in promoting physical activity among older adults.

The findings of RS 3.0 highlight the importance of integrating interpersonal BCSs into physical activity interventions for older adults. This approach not only supports increased activity levels but also contributes to a sense of community and belonging, essential factors for maintaining motivation and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. As we move forward, exploring ways to incorporate these strategies into existing community programs could offer new pathways to improve the health and well-being of older adults, ensuring they remain active, connected, and supported in their health journeys.

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