Do publicly funded community physical activity programs for middle-aged and older adults in Ireland work?

Enrique García Bengoechea () and Catherine B. Woods
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Enrique García Bengoechea: University of Limerick
Catherine B. Woods: University of Limerick

European Journal of Ageing, 2025, vol. 22, issue 1, No 10, 13 pages

Abstract: Abstract To strengthen practice-based evidence, pragmatic, yet rigorous, evaluation of real-world programs is necessary. This study sought to add to the evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity programs for middle-aged and older adults offered by publicly funded local sports partnerships (LSPs) in Ireland. We analysed data from 468 individuals aged 50 + years, who took part in the Move for Life cluster randomised feasibility trial. Outcomes were accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), light intensity physical activity (LiPA), standing time, and sedentary time; self-reported compliance with physical activity guidelines, body composition, physical function, and mental well-being. LSP programs included Women on Wheels/Bike for Life, Go for Life Games, Get Ireland Walking, and Men on the Move. We used a difference-in-differences approach to estimate program effects. We found evidence of positive program effects on accelerometer-derived MVPA (Women on Wheels/Bike for Life, Get Ireland Walking), LiPA (Go for Life Games), and sedentary time (Women on Wheels/Bike for Life, Go for Life Games) (p

Keywords: Healthy ageing; Physical activity; Program evaluation; Intervention; Community-based (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10433-025-00847-z

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