Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Masters of Science (Research)

Department

Health & Leisure Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Jackie Gallagher

Second Advisor

Ms. Eimear Foley

Abstract

Both in Ireland and internationally people are living longer and there is an increasing proportion of older adults in the population (Clark 2020). As such, the maintenance of health and physical function for older adults is of critical importance. Physical activity is widely acknowledged as being crucial for the maintenance of positive health, particularly for older adults (Spartano et al., 2019). Research has suggested that physical activity programmes are an effective means of engaging older adults in physical activity for the promotion of positive health (Sherrington et al., 2017). The central aim of this research project was to explore the impact of one such Physical Activity Programme on the health and wellbeing of older adults. The study was an underpinned by an action research approach guided by Elliott’s (1991) model of action research, moving through distinct phases of planning, acting, observing and reflecting (Reason and Bradbury, 2008). Two cycles of action research were completed for the present study, the first relating to the development of an Evaluation Protocol for use within the Physical Activity Programme, and the second involving a qualitative evaluation of the programme. The researcher utilised a qualitative approach consisting of interviews and observations. The data analysis process entailed the use of thematic analysis informed by Braun and Clarke’s (2006) 6-step process. Cycle 1 resulted in the development of a refined Evaluation Protocol for use as an evaluation tool by programme leaders. Cycle 2 resulted in the identification of themes related to participant’s perceptions of the programme. Findings indicated that there was a perceived physical, psychosocial, and educational benefit attributed to participation in the programme, although post programme maintenance of physical activity was low. Utilising the findings reported, the researcher recommends the implementation of a pre- and post-programme evaluation protocol in order to determine programme efficacy. Additionally, it is recommended that a greater effort be made to recruit ‘hard to reach individuals’ and that an emphasis be placed on post-programme maintenance of physical activity.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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