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Table 6 Messaging recommendations for the new Canadian Physical activity Guidelines for Older Adults

From: Evidence-informed recommendations for constructing and disseminating messages supplementing the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

Preamble

These recommendations are relevant to all practitioners and organizations communicating the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults. These recommendations should be used to create a clear understanding of the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults and to construct and to deliver messages that promote achievement of the guidelines.

Recommendations

Target Audience

Messages should target apparently healthy older adults aged 65 years and over, health professionals and familial caregivers

Clarification Messages

Clarification messages should a) clarify that the recommended levels of physical activity can be done in self-selected blocks, b) provide “how to” information for key pieces of the guidelines that is presented in language that the older adult can understand, c) provide clear and concise descriptions of levels of intensity of physical activity, d) distinguish between walking and walking for exercise, e) provide examples of types of muscle and strength training exercises, and f) clarify the intensity level required for muscle and strength training exercises.

Motivational Messages

Motivational messages should a) focus on motivating older adults to engage in physical activity of moderate intensity or higher, b) aim to make older adults aware that vigorous activity is something of which they are capable, c) convey that physical activity can be fun and enjoyable, d) target confidence and concerns about becoming active later in life, e) highlight perceived barriers that may not be real barriers, such as age and experience, and f) highlight benefits of physical activity that are important to older adults.

Examples

    Seniors can sweat.

    Heavy breathing is not just for the young.

    Enjoy an active life! You’ve earned it!

    It may be more fun than you think.

    The world can be your gym

    Not/never too late to start! No experience required!

    Stay fit. Stay independent. Stay connected

Channels of Dissemination

Messages should be disseminated through a) physicians and other health professionals (e.g., nurses, PTs, OTs, recreation therapists in nursing homes) via the web (CSEP, ParticipACTION, specialty organizations for the each of the health professions), b) the local government (i.e., departments within municipalities that deal with healthy living/seniors) via the web, public relations and other traditional outreach programs/activities, c) printed brochures distributed to physicians, health professionals, activity coordinators, or directly to older adults (e.g., community level organizations for seniors, lions clubs, seniors days, physical activity events), and d) the Canadian Association of Gerontology.

  1. Key References
  2. Ashford, S., Edmunds, J. & French, D.P. (2010). What is the best way to change self-efficacy to promote lifestyle and recreational physical activity? A systematic review with meta-analysis. British Journal of Health Psychology, 15, 265–288. doi: http://10.1348/135910709X461752.
  3. Brawley, L. & Latimer, A. E. (2007). Physical activity guides for Canadians: messaging strategies, realistic expectations for change and evaluation. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 32, S170-S184
  4. Dechaine, J & Witcher, C. (2007). Rural Route to Active Aging Focus Group Report: What We Heard in Rural Alberta. Retrieved from http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/older-adults/rural/focus-report.pdf
  5. Hardy, S. & Grogan, S. (2009). Preventing disability through exercise: Investigating older adults’ influences and motivations to engage in physical activity. Journal of Health Psychology October, 14, 1036-1046. doi: http://10.1139/H07-105
  6. Jones, L.W., Sinclair, R.C., and Courneya, K.S. (2003). The effects of source credibility and message framing on exercise intentions, behaviors, and attitudes: An integration of the elaboration likelihood model and prospect theory. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 33, 179–196. doi: http://10.1111/j.1559-1816.2003.tb02078.x.
  7. Paterson, D. H., & Warburton, D. E. (2010). Physical activity and functional limitations in older adults: A systematic review related to Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7, 38. doi: http://10.1186/1479-5868-7-38.
  8. Peters, W. (2010). Age-related changes in decision making. In A. Drolet, N. Schwarz, & Yoon, C. (Eds.), The aging consumer. Perspectives from psychology and economics (pp. 75-101).
  9. Rhodes, R., Fiala, B., & Connor, M. (2009). A review and meta-analysis of affective judgments and physical activity in adult populations. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 38(3), 180-204. doi http://10.1007/s12160-009-9147-y
  10. Berry, T. Spence JC, Plotnikoff, R.C.… Stolp, S. (2009). A mixed methods evaluation of televised health promotion advertisements targeted at older adults. Evaluation and Program Planning, 32, 278-288. doi.org/http://10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2009.05.001.