Keys to long-term sustainability and adherence: older adults’ experiences with home-based online Permanento despite age
Authors:
Kateřina Macháčová 1; Hana Polanská 1,2; Michal Steffl 3; Alžběta Bártová 1,4; Blanka Novotná 1; Iva Holmerová 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Centrum pro studium dlouhověkosti a dlouhodobé péče, Fakulta humanitních studií, Univerzita Karlova, Praha
1; Katedra nonverbálního divadla, Hudební a taneční fakulta, Akademie múzických umění v Praze
2; Fakulta tělesné výchovy a sportu, Univerzita Karlova, Praha
3; Husitská teologická fakulta, Univerzita Karlova, Praha
4
Published in:
Geriatrie a Gerontologie 2025, 14, č. 4: 182-191
Category:
Review Article
doi:
https://doi.org/10.61568/geri/50-6616/20251113/142068
Overview
Macháčová K, Polanská H, Steffl M, Bártová A, Novotná B, Holmerová I. Keys to long-term sustainability and adherence: older adults’ experiences with home-based online Permanento despite age
Long-term sustainability of physical activity remains a challenge across age groups, particularly in older adults. This study focuses on assessing the actual and potential sustainability and adherence of a home online exercise program at six and twelve months after the intervention. It also analyzes barriers, facilitators, and perceived benefits.
A total of 82 independently living individuals aged 70 and older (mean age 73.7 ± 3.4; 77% women) were included in the study. Sustain ability and adherence were assessed using online questionnaires. Actual sustainability reflected participants’ current behavior, while potential sustainability captured their intentions to improve their practice. Adherence was categorized as high, moderate, or none, based on frequency and consistency of participation. Participants responded to closed, semi-open, and open-ended questions examining factors influencing their exercise habits. A mixed-method approach combining descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was used for data evaluation.
At six months, 79.3% of participants continued with the program, and 70.7% remained active at twelve months. Potential sustainability reached 89% and 78.1%, respectively. High adherence was observed in 51.3% at six months and 47.8% at twelve months. The most common barriers included lack of motivation and time, while social support and external encouragement were reported as key facilitators. The most frequently mentioned benefits at both six and twelve months were improved well-being (43/42), flexibility (41/37), and energy (20/20).
This study confirms that sustainability and adherence are not only achievable but also beneficial. The findings highlight the importance of understanding broader contexts and allowing for individual flexibility. Implementing similar strategies in other exercise programs may help activate the population and address the adverse effects of predominantly sedentary lifestyles.
Keywords:
benefits – Education – exercise – adherence – barriers – sustainability – community-dwelling older adults – online programme – facilitators
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