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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6EW, 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
    NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine N. Irvine & Daniel Fisher & Margaret Currie & Kathryn Colley & Sara L. Warber, 2024. "A Nature-Based Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study Using the COM-B Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:843-:d:1424185
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katherine N. Irvine & Daniel Fisher & Melissa R. Marselle & Margaret Currie & Kathryn Colley & Sara L. Warber, 2022. "Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study on the Social Dimensions of Group Outdoor Health Walks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-26, April.
    2. Margaret Currie & Kathryn Colley & Katherine N. Irvine, 2021. "Outdoor Recreation for Older Adults in Scotland: Qualitatively Exploring the Multiplicity of Constraints to Participation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Katherine N. Irvine & Melissa R. Marselle & Alan Melrose & Sara L. Warber, 2020. "Group Outdoor Health Walks Using Activity Trackers: Measurement and Implementation Insight from a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Jenni Murray & Nyantara Wickramasekera & Marjolein Elings & Rachel Bragg & Cathy Brennan & Zoe Richardson & Judy Wright & Marina G. Llorente & Janet Cade & Darren Shickle & Sandy Tubeuf & Helen Elsey, 2019. "The impact of care farms on quality of life, depression and anxiety among different population groups: A systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(4), December.
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    7. Janet M. Boekhout & Brenda A. J. Berendsen & Denise A. Peels & Catherine A. W. Bolman & Lilian Lechner, 2018. "Evaluation of a Computer-Tailored Healthy Ageing Intervention to Promote Physical Activity among Single Older Adults with a Chronic Disease," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, February.
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    1. Helena Moreira & Chiara Tuccella & Emília Alves & Andreia Teixeira & Carlos Moreira & Irene Oliveira & Valerio Bonavolontà & Catarina Abrantes, 2025. "Effects of a 16-Week Green Exercise Program on Body Composition, Sleep, and Nature Connection in Postmenopausal Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(8), pages 1-18, August.

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