How to Tackle Key Challenges in the Promotion of Physical Activity among Older Adults (65+): The AEQUIPA Network Approach

Sarah Forberger, Karin Bammann, Jürgen Bauer, Susanne Boll, Gabriele Bolte, Tilman Brand, Andreas Hein, Frauke Koppelin, Sonia Lippke, Jochen Meyer, Claudia R. Pischke, Claudia Voelcker-Rehage and Hajo Zeeb
Additional contact information
Sarah Forberger: Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Karin Bammann: Working Group Epidemiology of Demographic Change, Institute for Public Health und Nursing Research (IPP), Faculty for Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Jürgen Bauer: Geriatrisches Zentrum, Universität Heidelberg, Agaplesion Bethanien-Krankenhaus, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
Susanne Boll: Media Informatics and Multimedia Systems, Department of Computing Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany
Gabriele Bolte: Department of Social Epidemiology, Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Tilman Brand: Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Andreas Hein: Department of Health Services Research, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
Frauke Koppelin: Section Technology and Health for Humans, Jade University of Applied Sciences Oldenburg, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany
Sonia Lippke: Department of Psychology and Methods, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759 Bremen, Germany
Jochen Meyer: OFFIS—Institute for Information Technology, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany
Claudia R. Pischke: Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Claudia Voelcker-Rehage: Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany
Hajo Zeeb: Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology—BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: The paper introduces the theoretical framework and methods/instruments used by the Physical Activity and Health Equity: Primary Prevention for Healthy Ageing (AEQUIPA) prevention research network as an interdisciplinary approach to tackle key challenges in the promotion of physical activity among older people (65+). Drawing on the social-ecological model, the AEQUIPA network developed an interdisciplinary methodological design including quantitative/qualitative studies and systematic reviews, while combining expertise from diverse fields: public health, psychology, urban planning, sports sciences, health technology and geriatrics. AEQUIPA tackles key challenges when promoting physical activity (PA) in older adults: tailoring of interventions, fostering community readiness and participation, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, using new technological devices and evaluating intervention generated inequalities. AEQUIPA aims to strengthen the evidence base for age-specific preventive PA interventions and to yield new insights into the explanatory power of individual and contextual factors. Currently, the empirical work is still underway. First experiences indicate that thenetwork has achieved a strong regional linkage with communities, local stakeholders and individuals. However, involving inactive persons and individuals from minority groups remained challenging. A review of existing PA intervention studies among the elderly revealed the potential to assess equity effects. The results will add to the theoretical and methodological discussion on evidence-based age-specific PA interventions and will contribute to the discussion about European and national health targets.

Keywords: ageing; ageing research; older adults; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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