Short answer

Designers should create physical activity solutions that are adaptable to varying physical capabilities, integrated into accessible and supportive environments, and framed to resonate with older adults' motivations and positive aspirations.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
Age and Ageing (2023)
Method
Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Sample
4,978 participants (across 25 studies)
Evidence
Strong effect

Designing effective physical activity programs for older adults requires a holistic approach that considers their physical and psychological capabilities, the environmental and social opportunities available, and their intrinsic motivations. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Age and Ageing. Using Systematic review of qualitative studies with 4,978 participants (across 25 studies), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should create physical activity solutions that are adaptable to varying physical capabilities, integrated into accessible and supportive environments, and framed to resonate with older adults' motivations and positive aspirations.

Study
User-Centred DesignRecentStrong effect

Physical activity interventions for older adults must address capability, opportunity, and motivation.

Designing effective physical activity programs for older adults requires a holistic approach that considers their physical and psychological capabilities, the environmental and social opportunities available, and their intrinsic motivations.

Age and Ageing · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Capability is influenced by functional capacity and perceived risk of injury.
  • 02Opportunity is impacted by environmental 'fit', social interaction availability, and socio-cultural ageing stereotypes.
  • 03Motivation is driven by identifying as an 'exerciser', health gains, and positive emotions, while reduced by negative sensations like pain.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Designers should create physical activity solutions that are adaptable to varying physical capabilities, integrated into accessible and supportive environments, and framed to resonate with older adults' motivations and positive aspirations.

How to apply

When designing health and wellness programs or products for older adults, conduct user research that probes beyond stated preferences to uncover underlying capabilities, environmental barriers, and motivational drivers.

Project actions

  • 01When researching user needs, consider the 'why' behind their actions, not just the 'what'.
  • 02Explore how environmental factors can be designed to support or hinder user behaviour.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore the qualitative evidence on factors influencing older adults' engagement in physical activity.
MethodSystematic Review of Qualitative Studies
ProcedureA systematic search of six electronic databases was conducted for qualitative studies involving community-dwelling older adults (≥70 years). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to assess methodological rigour, and framework synthesis was applied using the Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model.
Sample4,978 participants (across 25 studies)
ContextPhysical activity engagement among older adults

Variables

IV["Factors influencing physical activity (capability, opportunity, motivation)"]
DV["Participation in physical activity"]
CV["Age (≥70 years)","Community-dwelling status"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Comprehensive systematic review methodology.
  • +Application of a robust theoretical model (COM-B).

Limitations

The findings may not be generalizable to all older adult populations, especially those in different cultural or economic contexts.

Reliability & validity

The systematic review process, including rigorous searching and appraisal, enhances the reliability and validity of the findings. The use of framework synthesis with the COM-B model provides a structured approach to data analysis.

Think critically

How might the socio-cultural stereotypes mentioned in the study be actively combatted through design interventions?

05

Design Principles

"Design for holistic user engagement by addressing capability, opportunity, and motivation."

Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing older adults' engagement in physical activity is crucial for developing interventions that are not only effective but also adopted and sustained. This research highlights the need to move beyond simple exercise prescriptions and consider the broader context of users' lives.

06

What This Means for Your Design

To get older people to be more active, you need to think about what they can physically do, if it's easy and safe for them to do it, and if they actually want to do it and feel good doing it.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use the COM-B model as a framework to analyse user behaviour in your design project.
  • 2.Cite this research to justify the need for user-centred design approaches that consider a wide range of influencing factors.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the importance of a user-centred approach that considers the interplay of capability, opportunity, and motivation when designing for older adults. By understanding these factors, designers can create more effective and engaging physical activity interventions that address individual needs and environmental contexts.

09

Source

Age and Ageing

Factors that influence older adults’ participation in physical activity: a systematic review of qualitative studies

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about physical activity interventions for older adults must address capability, opportunity, and motivation?
Designers should create physical activity solutions that are adaptable to varying physical capabilities, integrated into accessible and supportive environments, and framed to resonate with older adults' motivations and positive aspirations. Evidence: Age and Ageing (2023).
Why does "Physical activity interventions for older adults must address capability, opportunity, and motivation." matter for design?
Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing older adults' engagement in physical activity is crucial for developing interventions that are not only effective but also adopted and sustained. This research highlights the need to move beyond simple exercise prescriptions and consider the broader context of users' lives.
How can designers apply this research?
Designers should create physical activity solutions that are adaptable to varying physical capabilities, integrated into accessible and supportive environments, and framed to resonate with older adults' motivations and positive aspirations.
What were the main findings?
Capability is influenced by functional capacity and perceived risk of injury.. Opportunity is impacted by environmental 'fit', social interaction availability, and socio-cultural ageing stereotypes.. Motivation is driven by identifying as an 'exerciser', health gains, and positive emotions, while reduced by negative sensations like pain.
What research method was used?
Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies with 4,978 participants (across 25 studies).
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Age and Ageing.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing health and wellness programs or products for older adults, conduct user research that probes beyond stated preferences to uncover underlying capabilities, environmental barriers, and motivational drivers.
What are the limitations?
Lack of research on the 'oldest old' and in low-income countries; need for greater diversity in study populations.