Affective Experiences of Older Adults Enrolled in a Multi-Component Health Promotion Program: A Focus-Group Study

The purpose of this qualitative study using focus groups was to explore the affective experiences of older adults enrolled in Bingocize®, a health promotion program that combines bingo and exercise after program facilitators received a supplemental training developed by a recreational therapist titled, FUNctional Movement. The training emphasized participant enjoyment and autonomy support utilizing The Self-Determination Enjoyment Enhancement Service Delivery Model. Focus groups, comprised of 17 participants across three sessions, revealed that while the supplemental training may have improved engagement, many were unaware of the fall prevention components of Bingocize®. Focus group themes included autonomy support, enjoyment, future desired activities, and barriers to physical activity. This may highlight a need to explicitly incorporate fall prevention and functional movement into Bingocize® training for facilitators. Additionally, integrating health education topics like sexual health and incontinence into Bingocize® could address participant needs and enhance program offerings. These findings may provide insights for refining Bingocize® training, aligning it more closely with participant expectations through a recreational therapy approach to physical activity in long-term care settings. The authors provide practice recommendations.