The human right to health extends to the last few decades of life and we have a societal duty to ensure that older adults are supported to live their lives free from pain, suffering, and disability. Evidence suggests that physical activity can improve physical function and self-reported disability, therefore identifying an intervention that may be effective in changing this behaviour is imperative. This doctoral project adds to the emerging literature in this field by presenting the results of a meta-ethnography of qualitative studies and generating a theory about how physical activity can help older adults adjust to the ageing process and thus increase the chances of successful and healthy ageing. Moreover a theory-based physical activity intervention for older adults at risk of disability was tested in a feasibility study and pilot randomised controlled trial. This intervention was based upon self-determination theory and extended work undertaken in younger adults with depression. The appropriateness of the intervention and the theory is discussed in the context of the findings of the feasibility study and the meta-ethnography. It is feasible to recruit and deliver a randomised controlled trial of an intervention of this nature in this population. However, the findings of the process evaluation suggest there are elements of the programme theory that should be modified before this is undertaken. Important characteristics of the relationship between older adults and physical activity decisions, revealed by the meta-ethnography, should be used to tailor and optimise the programme theory before proceeding to further evaluation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:701654 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Morgan, Gemma |
| Publisher | University of Bristol |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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