Disputation: Daniella Dinse

Se disputationen live: https://hkr-se.zoom.us/j/62203086720 

Länk till avhandling: Group exercises for older persons at meeting places in the municipality

Ordförande: Lisa Skär, professor, Högskolan Kristianstad

Opponent: Susanne Gustafsson, docent, Jönköping University

Betygsnämnd: Susanne Guidetti, professor, Karolinska institutet
Maria Nilsson, professor, Lunds universitet
Jonas Sandberg, docent, Jönköping University

Abstract

Many municipalities in Sweden organise group exercises for older persons at meeting places, i.e. senior centres, as a health-promotive and preventive intervention. Increased knowledge about the prevalence of these exercises, how they are organised, and whether they are experienced in accordance with older persons’ needs and wishes is needed. The overall aim of this thesis was therefore to explore group exercises for older persons at meeting places in municipalities from a personcentred perspective.

This thesis consists of three studies with qualitative design (I, II, III) 
and one study with quantitative design (IV). Study I is based on individual interviews with 18 older persons who participated in the group exercises. Studies II and III are based on focus group interviews with 25 stakeholders involved in organising the group exercises before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study IV is based on a questionnaire with responses from 81 % (n=243) of all Swedish municipalities. The 
qualitative studies were analysed using content analysis (I) and focus group analysis (II, III). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used in the quantitative study (IV).

The findings showed that the group exercises were to some extent experienced as person-centred at the individual level. This was reflected in meaningful relationships, a safe and inclusive environment, and the adaptations of exercises to older persons’ needs and abilities. Older persons’ ability to continue with group exercises over time also supported their health and well-being. At the organisational level, elements of a person-centred approach were evident through collaboration between stakeholders, but challenges remained regarding unequal availability of meeting places between municipalities, competence development, systematic evaluation, the need for long-term funding, and greater involvement of older persons in decision-making. 
To conclude, these findings can support municipalities in advancing equitable, sustainable and person-centred health promotion through group exercises, while also highlighting the need for supportive national policies.