The Effectiveness of Supervised Group-based Walking Program Among Older Adults

Aim and Objectives: The overall aim is to examine the effectiveness of supervised group-based walking intervention by comparing with non-supervised group-based walking and non-supervised individual-based walking interventions on improving physical, psychological and social outcomes among the older adults in Hong Kong. The outcomes of the research will be used as references for designing an effective walking operation manual for promoting healthy ageing among older adults in the community. Objectives (Phase 1-Intervention): 1. To compare the differences of effects among supervised group-based, 5 non-supervised group-based, and non-supervised individual-based walking intervention programs, and the control group on the primary outcomes, including physical health, walking performance, loneliness, perceived social support and physical activity enjoyment among the older adults in Hong Kong. 2. To compare the differences of effects among supervised group-based, non-supervised group-based, and non-supervised individual-based walking intervention programs, and the control group on the secondary outcomes, including health-related quality of life and functional fitness among the older adults in Hong Kong. (Please refer to Appendix D for the outcome measurements of the intervention) Objectives (Phase 2-Promotion) 1. To formulate and develop a walking operation manual for the use of implementing an effective walking program for the older adults in Hong Kong. 2. To promote and organize mass walking programs with the format as informed by the Phase 1 study among the older adults in the community (n=900-1080). 3. To raise the government\'s awareness towards the promotion of an effective walking program as informed by Phase 1 study for achieving the government\'s goal in promoting active aging.