Using Peer Educator Delivered Seminars to Improve the Level of Physical Activity among Older Adults: a Pilot Investigation

Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the influence of peer educator delivered seminars to older adults on physical activity and exercise uptake, and whether improvements in activity levels and functional wellbeing follow. Design: Two part evaluation. Data are from a post-seminar survey that informed a process evaluation (Part 1 Seminar) and a non-controlled prospective investigation (Part 2 Cohort). Setting: Cohort data were collected from a regional community organisation and Seminar data at a number of meeting places for older adult organisations throughout Queensland. Participants: Seminar 412 older adults, classified “Mostly third age” (> 65 years with average health), attended 23 seminars throughout the state. Cohort data were collected from nine adults (age 74.22 ± 4.43 years) at baseline and at two follow ups. Main outcome measures: Seminar satisfaction and intention to change data were collected by questionnaire post-seminars. Cohort data were collected for function, balance and quality of life pre-seminar, and four (PS1) and eight (PS2) weeks post. Results: Seminar data showed a raised awareness of the need for more movement, and an indication that individuals aimed to become more involved. For cohort, minutes per day sitting was significantly reduced at PS1 (p = 0.046) but not PS2, and a positive trend emerged for function and total METs-minutes per week. Conclusion: While further research is required, data suggest peer educator delivered seminars can have a positive impact on the intention to be active, and the activity levels and functional wellbeing of older adults. Peer educator delivered seminars may be a valuable complement to behaviour modification and social-ecological models in the drive towards seeing more adults become physically active.