The Perceived Long-Term Impact of an Ageing Well Program

ABSTRACT

A focus on healthy aging can enhance activity participation, and reduce the impact of chronic diseases and decline in function. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore the perspectives of nine participants of a university run Aging Well Program (AWP) 12 months following its completion. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews conducted, identified three key themes: 1) Using strategies to keep your mind alert; 2) I now know what to do to maintain my physical wellbeing; and 3) Connections with others. The findings indicated that the AWP had long-term positive cognitive, physical and social impacts, from the perspectives of the participants.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging
• health programs
• long-term impact
• mobility
• aging strategies

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the contribution provided by the participants who provided insights into their experience of the Ageing Well Program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethics approval

This study was approved by the Charles Sturt University Human Research Ethics Committee.

The ethics project approval number is H19318.