A Nature-Based Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study Using the COM-B Model

Katherine N. Irvine (), Daniel Fisher, Margaret Currie, Kathryn Colley and Sara L. Warber
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Katherine N. Irvine: Social, Economic, Geographical Sciences Department, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
Daniel Fisher: Social, Economic, Geographical Sciences Department, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
Margaret Currie: Social, Economic, Geographical Sciences Department, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
Kathryn Colley: Social, Economic, Geographical Sciences Department, James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
Sara L. Warber: Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Physical inactivity contributes to over 800,000 deaths annually. Numerous non-pharmacological interventions provide a route to address this behavioural risk factor linked to the growth of non-communicable diseases. Here, we consider a nature-based intervention, specifically group outdoor health walks (GOHW), as a non-pharmacological intervention to increase physical activity and contribute to health and quality of life amongst older adults. We used the theoretically grounded Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model as a lens to examine interviews with participants in a GOHW with an activity tracker and signposted by health clinics in Scotland, UK. Analysis identified capabilities, opportunities, and motivations, their impact on behaviour, and perceived physical and mental health. The application of the COM-B model to intervention evaluation allowed us to examine two separate behaviours, that of (i) engaging with the intervention itself, and (ii) incorporating the behaviour into one’s life that the intervention targets. Analysis identified emerging capabilities, opportunities, and motivations that supported additional health-promoting behaviours, including increased time outdoors in nature and leadership to self-organise continued group walks. We offer insight into the design of nature-based interventions to effectively engage older adults with chronic health conditions and foster personal behaviour change for health and well-being.

Keywords: public health; prevention; non-pharmacological intervention; behaviour; physical health; mental health; green space; chronic health conditions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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