Protocol for Promoting Exercise in the Elderly Regarding the Exercise Behaviors of the Elderly in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand
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Abstract
This study clarified the development of a comprehensive protocol for promoting exercise tailored to the specific environmental and social context of Nakhon Sawan Province, the study provided the following steps. A mixed-methods research design was used, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches including participatory action learning, interviews, and a questionnaire survey. Participants were 10 key informants, including public health officials and exercise specialists, who were selected through purposive sampling. Additionally, 450 samples from the elderly participating in exercise activities were involved under the multi-stage cluster sampling on residents aged 60 and over in Muang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. The findings clarified a comprehensive protocol for promoting exercise through the following steps. First, provide key factors that influenced exercise behavior in older adults. Four key factors included knowledge and attitude, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and social support. Second, the research identifies perceived barriers as the most significant predictor of exercise behavior. Consequently, the most effective way to increase activity levels is to prioritize safety, provide clear risk-management education, and ensure that exercise environments are accessible and age-friendly. Third, organizing the roles of knowledge, attitude, and social support remain crucial for long-term sustainability. Education that moves beyond "knowing" to "believing" (enhancing self-efficacy and goal-setting) allows seniors to internalize the benefits of movement. Finally, the Protocol for Promoting Exercise in the Elderly established in this study provides a targeted, four-phase roadmap for interventions. By sequentially addressing barrier mitigation, knowledge synthesis, benefit enhancement, and social integration, healthcare providers and community leaders can foster an environment conducive to active aging.
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