Retirement village physical activity and nutrition intervention process evaluation: Informing practice

Objective: This process evaluation aimed to determine participants’ perceptions of the strategies utilised in a sixmonth intervention that set out to improve physical activity and nutrition in retirement village (RV) residents.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from intervention participants residing in 17 RVs located in Perth, Western Australia, via self-report questionnaires (n = 139) and semi-structured interviews (n = 16).

Results: Intervention resources were moderately useful (55–64%) and suitable (65–68%). Program ambassadors were encouraging (86%), but more face-to-face contact and frequent contact were preferred. The main reason for withdrawing from the program was health-related conditions (aches, pains, injuries).

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the intervention was reasonably appropriate for older adults residing in RVs. Program ambassadors were well accepted, and a successful strategy should be considered for future interventions in RVs 4 . Increased face-to-face engagement was preferred, but this approach will require greater investment. The findings contribute to a small research base concerned with health behaviour interventions in RVs.