The potential of physical activity and technology interventions to reduce anxiety in older adults
No Preview Available
Citations
Altmetric:
Altmetric::
Associated Records
Authors
File Licence
Editors
Date
2023-12-01
Source Title
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Melbourne Authors
Affiliation
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Psychiatry
Psychiatry
Document Type
Journal Article
Subject Code
Citation
Chong, T. W. H., Curran, E., Southam, J., Bryant, C., Cox, K. L., Ellis, K. A., Anstey, K. J., Goh, A. & Lautenschlager, N. T. (2023). The potential of physical activity and technology interventions to reduce anxiety in older adults. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 14, pp.100633-100633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100633.
Access Status
This item is currently not available from this repository
Access URL
Open Access URL
Open Access at PMC
Linked Resource URL
NHMRC Grant Code
ARC Grant Code
Description
Abstract
Background Older adults have low levels of mental health literacy relating to anxiety, which may explain why they delay or do not seek help. Emerging evidence supports effectiveness of lifestyle interventions, including physical activity (PA), in reducing anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted technology's potential to facilitate healthcare provision. We explored older adults’ understanding of anxiety, perspectives on whether PA interventions could reduce anxiety, and whether technology could facilitate this. Methods The INDIGO trial evaluated a PA intervention for participants aged 60 years and above, at risk of cognitive decline, and not meeting PA guidelines at baseline. Twenty-nine trial completers attended follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results Thematic analysis revealed participants’ diverse understanding of anxiety with some relating anxiety to worry, uncertainty and fear, as well as physical manifestations and feeling out of control, while others found the concept confusing. Participants generally thought that PA interventions could reduce anxiety through “mindful” and/or “physiological” processes. Views about technology were more polarised, possibly reflecting a “digital divide”. Participants expressed that technology could help with information provision, health monitoring and motivation. Participants were open to using wearable activity monitors, online platforms and portable devices. Limitations Participants had completed a PA intervention trial, had relatively high education levels and interviews were only conducted in English. Conclusions Results highlight the importance of providing more information and education about anxiety to older adults to increase understanding and help-seeking. Findings also support likely acceptability of PA interventions for anxiety, with the option of technology as a facilitator.