Highlights
- Reduced social interaction is a key risk factor for diseases and mortality among older adults.
- Combining social interaction with physical activity significantly improves overall health and quality of life for older adults.
- Programs like Structured Social Interaction and Physical Activity (SSIPA) are practical and effective in promoting elderly well-being.
- SSIPA reduces loneliness, lowers the risk of depression, and enhances physical activity levels.
- Age-friendly spaces and entertainment options encourage older adults to participate in programs like SSIPA.
- Increasing awareness and support for social interaction and physical activity is critical to fostering healthier aging.
Background and Introduction
Population aging presents complex challenges affecting societal, biological, and cultural dimensions globally. While much emphasis has been placed on addressing the biological aspects of aging—such as physical and cognitive declines—the social and cultural dimensions of aging are equally critical yet often overlooked. For older adults, issues such as chronic health conditions, limited mobility, and social isolation frequently lead to heightened risks of depression and diminished quality of life.
In regions like Nigeria, the scarcity of nursing homes and social security systems exacerbates these challenges, leaving older adults more vulnerable to the adverse effects of social isolation and inactivity. Structured Social Interaction and Physical Activity (SSIPA) programs offer a promising solution by integrating physical activity with meaningful social engagement, effectively addressing both the physical and psychosocial needs of older adults. This policy brief outlines the development and validation of an age-friendly SSIPA program tailored to the specific needs of Nigerian older adults, aiming to improve their overall health and quality of life.
Research Methods
To comprehensively evaluate the SSIPA program, multiple research methods were employed:
- Systematic Review: Conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines to synthesize existing evidence.
- Qualitative Research: In-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions explored the experiences and perspectives of older adults.
- Quantitative Survey: Measured physical activity levels, social interaction, loneliness, depression risk, and quality of life among participants.
- Intervention Study: Assessed the effectiveness of the SSIPA program in improving health outcomes for older adults.
Key Findings
The research revealed that integrating social interaction with physical activity through SSIPA programs significantly benefits the health and well-being of older adults. Key outcomes include:
- Increased Physical Activity: Participants showed marked improvements in activity levels, contributing to better physical health.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: SSIPA participants reported higher satisfaction with life and overall well-being.
- Reduced Loneliness: Social interaction components of the program significantly decreased feelings of isolation.
- Lower Risk of Depression: Participation in SSIPA correlated with a reduced prevalence of depression symptoms.
These findings highlight the effectiveness of SSIPA as a holistic approach that addresses both social and physical aspects of health, making it a valuable intervention for aging populations.
Conclusions
Programs like SSIPA offer a practical and impactful strategy to improve the health and quality of life of older adults by integrating social interaction with physical activity. By addressing both the social and physical dimensions of aging, such interventions effectively:
- Increase physical activity levels.
- Reduce the risks of loneliness and depression.
- Enhance overall well-being and life satisfaction.
The policy implications are clear: raising awareness and encouraging the adoption of integrated programs like SSIPA is essential to creating age-friendly communities that support the holistic needs of older adults.
Recommendations
To foster healthier aging and create supportive environments for older adults, the following actions are recommended:
- Develop Tailored Programs: Create structured programs like SSIPA that integrate social interaction and physical activity, addressing the unique needs of older adults.
- Increase Awareness: Conduct campaigns to highlight the benefits of social interaction and physical activity, encouraging community-wide support for such initiatives.
- Establish Age-Friendly Spaces: Design community halls and recreational areas equipped with facilities for gaming, exercise, and other social activities.
- Promote Community Involvement: Organize events, workshops, and campaigns to engage older adults and foster community support for their well-being.
- Ensure Sustainability: Collaborate with stakeholders to develop long-term, sustainable initiatives that prioritize the physical and psychosocial needs of older adults.
By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and community leaders can effectively address the challenges of aging populations and improve the overall health and quality of life for older adults.
Author (s) and affiliation(s):
Dr Joel O Faronbi (JOF) j.o.faronbi@exeter.ac.uk: Academy of Nursing, Department of Health and Care Profession, University of Exeter, United Kingdom & Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) Graduate.
Dr Chidozie Mbada (CM) c.mbada@mmu.ac.uk: Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom & Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) Graduate.
NB: JOF & CM were formerly affiliated with the Department of Nursing Science & Department of Medical Rehabilitation; College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Nigeria.
The main source of the policy brief:
We conducted a series of studies that involved (1) a systematic review following the Cochrane Collaboration guideline, (2) a qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews and focused group discussions, (3) a survey, and (4) an intervention study.
The research project aimed to (i) identify, analyze, and determine the prevalence of physical activity participation, social interaction, loneliness, risk of depression, and quality of life of older adults, (ii) develop an effective intervention program for older adults in Nigeria (SSIPA), (iii) assess the acceptability of SSIPA among older adults, and (iv) determine the effectiveness of SSIPA in terms of physical activity participation, social interaction, loneliness, risk of depression, and quality of life of older adults.
Package development
The SSIPA package was developed using findings from the preliminary studies including systematic reviews, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, and surveys. The development process involved an iterative and mixed-methods consensus approach. A collaborative working group of expert clinicians, academics, and end-users (older adults) undertook the initiative. The experts were from various multidisciplinary health disciplines including geriatric nursing, public health, physiotherapy, psychiatry, and sociology.
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