Peer-reviewed article
Co-creating an intergenerational intervention to enhance physical activity in the older adult population: A qualitative study of the engAGE project.
X Paredes-Vargas, R Trull, J Solà, A Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, L Martin et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This qualitative study describes the co-creation process for an intergenerational physical activity intervention involving older adults and children. The research used workshops, interviews, and surveys to design an intervention that promotes physical activity and social interaction between age groups. Participants preferred outdoor activities, and most older adults surveyed indicated willingness to participate in such a program.
Key points
- 67.9% of surveyed older adults (n=53) were willing to participate in an intergenerational physical activity intervention
- Workshops with 26 older adults (mean age 84.1 years) and 19 children (mean age 11.5 years) both showed preference for outdoor activities
- Four key themes emerged: building on prior technology experience, designing with empathy for safety and enjoyment, valuing intergenerational engagement, and aligning with older adults' priorities
- Virtual reality was identified as potentially useful for motivation but requires attention to accessibility and gradual implementation
Limitations
This study focuses on intervention design and feasibility rather than evaluating the intervention's actual impact on physical activity outcomes. It cannot tell us whether older adults who participate actually increase their physical activity or sustain engagement over time.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Older adults are the most sedentary population segment, and effective, sustainable interventions are needed to modify these behaviours. Intergenerational and participatory approaches may enhance adherence and support long-term engagement. This study reports on the co-creation of an intergenerational intervention to promote physical activity (PA) and social interaction among older adults. It also explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) to support uptake and adherence. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was applied, guided by the Health CASCADE framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). The intervention was co-created with older adults, children, teachers, professionals, and policymakers. The qualitative components included expert interviews, workshops with older adults and children, and an advisory board workshop. An online survey with older adults explored willingness to participate, perceived acceptability and relevance, adaptation to their needs, and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS: Four themes informed the intervention: (1) building on prior experiences with technology; (2) designing with empathy to ensure safety, enjoyment, and adaptability; (3) valuing intergenerational engagement; and (4) aligning with older adults' priorities. Workshops with 26 older adults (84.1 ± 7.6 years) and nineteen children (11.5 ± 2.9 years) highlighted shared preference for outdoor activities. Findings were translated into an intervention proposal during the advisory board workshop. Survey results from 53 older adults showed that 67.9% were willing to participate. CONCLUSIONS: Co-creation is a feasible approach to developing inclusive intergenerational PA interventions. Outdoor activities were widely preferred, while VR may potentially support motivation when implemented with attention to accessibility, user acceptance, and gradual integration.