| dc.description.abstract | Objective: This study explored personal stories of engagement and motivation to participate in nature-based physical activity interventions in later life, focusing on individual life biographies and experiences.
Design: A qualitative exploratory study which utilised semi-structured interviews.
Participants: 20 participants (aged 55–85) currently or previously enrolled in the Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) Programme, funded by Active Devon and Sport England, were purposively sampled based on their Nature Connectedness Index score. This index reflected whether they had high or low connection to nature when they first joined, allowing the exploration of motivations to initially engage and then sustain engagement with to nature-based physical activity interventions, whether through improved nature connection and/or other factors. Other sampling criteria included gender, age mix and a mix of activities.
Setting: Interviews were conducted online, primarily with participants in their own homes, located in Devon, England.
Results: All participants expressed positive experiences with the CAN programme, often linking these to their life stories. Many had prior exposure to nature-based settings and experience of physical activities, either in early childhood with family members or at various stages throughout their lives. Participants consistently emphasised the importance of movement and physical activity for living well, with a shared sentiment that ‘without movement, there’s no life’, reflecting strong beliefs about the connection between health and physical activity.
A significant finding was the role of the intervention in helping participants to navigate challenging life transitions or biographical disruptions, such as shifts in roles, responsibilities, or personal identity. Joining the intervention programmes fulfilled specific purposes, aligning with the principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which highlights the importance of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Rather than participating without direction, participants were driven by a sense of purpose, personal growth, and fulfilment.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for nature-based physical activity interventions to not only promote physical health but also address the psychological and emotional needs of older adults (those aged over 55). Recognising the significance of life histories and individual experiences, the impact of biographical disruptions, and the motivational elements of autonomy and purpose can support meaningful engagement and play a unique role in identity recalibration to facilitate positive transitions in later life. | en_GB |
