An exploration of exercise instructors' experiences and perceptions of working with the Staying Fit for the Future Programme, via a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background: Community-based exercise programmes (CBEPs) improve the health of older people. The Staying Fit for the Future programme (SFFF), conducted by exercise instructors, is a CBEP promoting exercise participation among the general public. This study aimed to explore instructors' experiences of the SFFF programme and of working with older adults. Methods: This mixed-methods descriptive cross-sectional study used a self-reported web questionnaire involving current and previous instructors involved in the programme. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: The response rate was 69.56% (16/23). All instructors reported a positive experience of working with older adults and were enthusiastic about the programme (100%). Ongoing training is the most encouraging factor for continued delivering the programme. No challenges were unanimously identified as a barrier. The top 3 barriers were: lack of knowledge about older people's health condition, difficulty maintaining high levels of attendance, and concern for the safety of older adults. All instructors viewed the programme as beneficial to older people with the social aspects of participation being highly valued (100%). Inter-professional communication staff, chatting clubs and certain modes and styles of exercise development were the main suggestions to improve programme delivery. Discussion: This was the first study to explore instructors' experiences of the SFFF programme. It helps to understand their experiences of working with older people, highlights the advantages of participating in the programme and proposes significant suggestions for improving the programme. Therefore, the study emphasised the value of continuing and improving programme delivery for older people.