CONNECT 60+: A Wellness Program for Older Adults Delivered From a Community Hub.

BACKGROUND: Community hubs offer a pragmatic approach to address the wellness needs for older adults at risk of social isolation and declining physical activity. OBJECTIVE: The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a wellness program delivered from a community hub (either in person or online) on exercise and social connections of community-dwelling older adults living in Australia during a time of social isolation imposed by COVID-19. METHODS: A single group pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted online and in person from a community hub. The 9-week program (CONNECT60+) was designed using a community-based participatory approach. It consisted of weekly group exercises led by a health professional and a wellness activity that aligned with active ageing guidelines, such as education, book club, and nature walks. Participants were encouraged to complete daily wellness activities and record these in a workbook. Data were gathered at pretest and 10-week post-test using questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 47 participants completed the program. Most participants were aged between 64 and 74 years (61.7%), and 82.9% were female. Thirty-five participants (74.5%) attended the program in person, and 12 (25.5%) attended online from home. Preliminary findings showed participants prioritized social connections during the week and increased the duration (median [interquartile range] minutes) of exercise completed per week (pretest: 285 minutes (inter-quartile range, 246-567 minutes); post-test: 346 minutes (interquartile range, 150-415 minutes); P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The study endorsed the wellness program delivered in person and online from a community hub to enable older adults to complete wellness activities, including exercise and socially connecting during a time of self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older adults' experiences of a community wellness program (Connect 60+) that focused on physical activity and social connections: a qualitative exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Being physically active and socially connected is positively associated with healthy aging. Older adults living in the community may be at risk of social isolation and reduced physical activity, especially in recent times due to COVID-19. There are many programs that offer opportunities for evidence-based physical activity or social connection; however, there is a lack of programs that include both. The objective of this study was to explore the lived experience of older adults who participated in Connect 60+ - a program that promoted exercise and social activities - delivered from a community hub that could be attended either in person or online. METHODS: A qualitative study that used descriptive phenomenology was conducted. A purposive sample of 13 older adults (age ≥65years) was recruited to take part in semistructured telephone interviews to discuss barriers and enablers to program engagement. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The overarching theme was that participating in Connect 60+ was an enjoyable and encouraging experience for participants. The program enabled them to increase their physical activity and build social connections within their community. The main themes that enabled engagement were: (1) an enabling program design, (2) developing new connections in the community, and (3) experiencing motivation to engage. A few barriers were identified, including difficulties connecting online and lack of male attendance. CONCLUSIONS: Wellness programs delivered in community hubs may facilitate older adults to increase their engagement in both physical and social activity. The program appeared to impact positively on participants' motivation, with some participants reporting that they had sustained their behaviour changes since program completion. To address identified barriers, easy to use online technology is recommended, and strategies to promote male attendance.