An Exploration of Adults Transitioning Into Retirements' Perspectives on Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity.

Abstract

Issue addressed: Australian adults transitioning into retirement aged 55-75 years (> 50%) do not meet the World Health Organization recommendation of physical activity (PA). One potential strategy to promote PA is through vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA). This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators from adults transitioning to retirement about participation in VILPA and to identify strategies to promote and implement VILPA.

Methods: Thirty adults transitioning to retirement (mean age = 64 years) were recruited to participate in focus groups to provide their perceptions on VILPA. All participants' PAs were measured by accelerometers. A set of semi-structured questions developed from the findings of a previous scoping review was used to guide focus groups with participants. To increase awareness of PA bouts and intensity, the focus group discussions were prompted by participants' individualised accelerometer-measured PA reports. The identified barriers and facilitators were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Intervention strategies were derived from the framework domains.

Results: Three focus groups were conducted. Participants perceived barriers to participation in VILPA stem from health constraints, insufficient awareness about VILPA, and adverse weather conditions. To promote VILPA, adults transitioning to retirement require a better understanding of PA intensities, knowledge of identifying VILPA opportunities, and monitoring and feedback for engagement. Intervention to promote VILPA should include elements of education, persuasion, incentivisation and enablement.

Conclusions: Adults transitioning to retirement perceived VILPA as feasible and convenient for increasing their overall PA. SO WHAT?: The study findings will directly inform the development of a targeted VILPA intervention with key stakeholders and an implementation plan to promote PA in adults transitioning to retirement.