The ENJOY Project: Usage and Factors to Support Adherence and Physical Activity Participation

Objectives: Long-term engagement and participation in physical activity by older adults in the general population is poor. The Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY for older people (the ENJOY project) is a community-based research project utilizing an outdoor Seniors Exercise Park that demonstrated increased physical activity level as well as physical and mental health benefits. This study aims to explore participants’ perceptions about barriers and facilitators to ongoing participation as well as the usage pattern of the Seniors Exercise Park. Method: People aged ≥60 yr underwent a 12-wk structured supervised physical activity program using outdoor exercise park equipment followed by a 6-month maintenance phase. Participants completed two surveys: at the completion of the 12-wk structured supervised program and at the completion of the 6-month maintenance phase. Access to the Seniors Exercise Park was also electronically monitored during the maintenance phase. Results: The social aspect (60%), health benefits/improvement (41.5%), and supervision (36.9%) were the most cited factors in positively supporting participation, with 60.8% continued using the Exercise Park regularly during the maintenance phase. The main barriers to continued usage for both regular users and nonusers included other commitments (71.4%), the weather (60.7%), and medical/health problems (42.8%). Conclusions: The Seniors Exercise Park can be utilized to promote sustainable engagement in physical activity for older people. However, future implementation strategies should consider approaches to overcome barriers for participation.