Get Active Outdoors

Status: Ongoing

Evaluated

Kiama

Print this page City population: 2131427.60% over 60Practice started in 2016

Summary

An outdoor exercise program was facilitated in 2016 by Kiama Municipal Council in partnership with the Health Promotion Service from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The project included 9 one-hour sessions facilitated by a trained exercise professional to demonstrate safe and beneficial ways to use the Werri Beach Outdoor exercise equipment, followed by a healthy breakfast and opportunity for social connection amongst the group. The first program attracted older adults and thus the program was adapted in 2018 & 2019 to specifically target people over the age of 55 years of age in the community. Additionally, the program was shortened to 8 weeks in response to feedback from participants.
In 2017, we conducted a health survey with residents living in the Local Government Area (LGA), 25% of respondents were not meeting the National Physical Activity Recommendations. Additionally, respondents suggested more access to outdoor facilities and low cost or free programs promoting physical activity would help them improve their health and well-being.
This project provided an opportunity for residents in the Kiama LGA to learn not only how to use the outdoor exercise equipment but, also teach them ways to incorporate active living into their lives. The program built social connections between residents and increased people’s confidence to participate in physical activity on their own.

Aim
The aim of the project was to explore people’s perceptions of the benefits of using
outdoor gym equipment via delivering an 8-week physical activity program, and to determine whether people will participate in ongoing sessions at the outdoor exercise equipment.

Objectives
The objectives of the project were to;
(i) Encourage the use of outdoor parks and the safe use of the outdoor exercise equipment by residents in the LGA
(ii) Increase 85% of program participant’s confidence in using the outdoor exercise equipment.
(iii) Build a level of social connectedness between participants taking part in the project.

Key facts

Main target group: Older people in general

Other target group(s): Over 55's

Sector(s): Health, Information and communication

Desired outcome for older people:
Be mobile

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:

Accessibility
Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
Participation

Contact details

Name: Nick Guggisberg

Email address: nickg@kiama.nsw.gov.au

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Other

Other project lead: Local Government

Others involved in the project:

Social or health care provider

How collaboration worked: The project was by coordinated by Council’s Health Promotion Officer, the facilitation was led by a trained fitness professional (employed by Council) with experience working with older adults and initial program development (including evaluation) was done in partnership with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. The program is funded by Kiama Council. After the initial program was developed, it was than managed by Council’s Health Promotion Officer. The facilitation of the program was always led by the same fitness professional and regular meetings where held between Council’s Health Promotion Officer and Council’s fitness instructor. Feedback on evaluation reports was provided by Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Program participants were asked to do some goal setting and pre activity questionnaires at the first session so that the fitness professional could tailor the program to meet their needs and abilities.

Older people’s involvement: Older people helped to implement the age-friendly practice

Details on older people’s involvement: Older people were integral in the success of Get Active Outdoors, they were the target group of the practice and provided ongoing feedback to the program facilitator to allow him to adapt the program to meet their needs. Additionally, they provided great social connections for each other and many of the 2019 program participants have continued to meet and exercise together weekly.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Please share with us what you found in detail:
See project evaluation reports attached.

Evaluation report: Evaluation-Report-Werri-Beach-Outdoor-Fitness-Program-PDF-2016.pdf

Feedback:
Yes the following feedback was received; 2016 – Continue to conduct outdoor gym program to assist local residents to successfully use equipment facilities and increase utilisation of park amenity • Run the program during cooler times of the day or in cooler seasons – Improve park amenity by providing shade in vicinity of equipment e.g. tree planting and enforce dog owners to clean up after their pets – Include outdoor gym equipment programs which are targeted for people who are fitter and more experienced users of equipment 2018 Quotes from participants “This is such an excellent program and so important for over 50s to have a non-intimidating program aimed at this age group” “I felt the program was excellent” “Meeting a bunch of lovely people was a bonus” “The Trainer was encouraging, patient and explained everything very well. Just the right balance of care and encouragement. Top trainer” “I think it was perfect! Every exercise was shown in detail and understandable” 2019 – The 8-week program was just the right length to achieve the program objectives. – Participants would benefit from follow up sessions after the program has concluded – Participants reported they would like to see better maintenance of equipment – Participants reported the overall content and information provided in the program was just right.

Expansion plans:
Yes, by continuing to implement an annual Get Active Outdoors 8 week program and improving how the program is facilitated through ongoing feedback from participants, the wider community and our community health survey. Additionally, we have now added a follow up element to the program, which we will be trialing to see if this keeps people who have taken part in the program engaged in regular exercise.

Looking back

Reflections:
– Add different elements to the program such as follow on exercise pathways for participants to ensure they continue to keep active. – Broaden the reach of the program to those who may be more vulnerable in the community – Provide additional health resources to participants to link them in with other services that might be of benefit to them

Challenges:
– Cancellation of sessions due to weather– We were able to provide make up sessions however, we need to have a wet weather option moving for future programs. – Drop off rate – The number of participants are always higher at the start of the program and there is a normal drop off rate. It would be good to be able to try and reengage those who have dropped off if possible. – Pathways for participants following on from the program – We worked with Illawarra Shoalhaven Health District to offer participants pathways into our Health Moves Program and The Get Healthy Service.