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Older adults’ perspectives on home exercise after falls rehabilitation: Understanding the importance of promoting healthy, active ageing

NHS Rotherham, UK, helen.hawley{at}rotherhampct.nhs.uk

Objective To explore what might encourage older people to exercise at home after falls rehabilitation.

Design Qualitative research methods were used based on a grounded theory approach, to provide insights into older adults’ experiences following a fall, of both rehabilitation and home exercise.

Setting Community dwellings.

Method Nine participants who had been through falls rehabilitation and who were over 60 years old were recruited through health professionals. Participants had attended one of three different rehabilitation centres, or were under the care of the Specialist Case Manager for Elderly, Frail and Falls who sees clients with more complex needs.

Results Thekeyfactorcausingolderpeopletocarryouttheirhomeexercise programme is a determination to regain independence following illness and a fall. However, social interaction has a key role to play in this strive for independence through supporting the continuation of home exercise. Interview data reveal that relationships with professionals, families and friends (the existence of social networks) during and after the rehabilitation process can impact on uptake and continuation of exercise.

Conclusion A grounded theory approach to research with older people can be a useful tool for informing health promotion workers and other health professionals in practice. This study helps us to acknowledge that from an older adult’s perspective, independence is highly valued, and encourages us to consider how we can then adopt this as a motivator for participation in healthy, active ageing. When working with older people, professionals need to adopt a holistic approach to their health, using a person-centred approach to promote positive, active ageing.

Key Words: older people • healthy active ageing

Health Education Journal, Vol. 68, No. 3, 207-218 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0017896909339533


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