New research into how older people with sight loss can engage in physical activity
Inaccessible leisure activities are a barrier to fitness, fun and independence for older people with sight loss. This new groundbreaking research, commissioned by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, is the first to investigate how older people with sight loss can engage in physical activity. It calls on leisure providers to make facilities and activities accessible and sight-loss friendly.
The research findings were launched at the first national conference on physical activity for older people on 25 June- Senior Activity and Fitness 2014.
Read the research findings (PDF format 315kb)
The study, Physical Activity among Older People with Sight Loss, carried out by researchers at Exeter and Loughborough universities and available on the University of Loughborough website, interviewed older people with sight loss about their experiences of trying to stay active. All the participants felt a deep sense of loss at having to reduce their physical activity because of sight loss. They were well aware of the important benefits of staying mobile but cited numerous barriers that excluded them. While health was a key factor, the lack of accessible facilities was a major block to them pursuing what they wanted - fitness, fun, social interaction and independence.
No previous systematic research has been carried out concerning physical activity among older people with sight loss, and health and fitness policy has had little to say about this group. In general, the Government recommends that adults should take 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week. This recommendation is just as important for older adults with sight loss as their sighted peers. Yet little appears to have been done to find out how to help older people with sight loss engage with physical activity and what advice will directly answer the specific problems they face.
The study found that:
- Two main factors influence the involvement of older people with sight loss in physical activity: Their level of general health and mobility - many older people are coping with multiple health problems; and whether activities are both regularly available and easy to access.
- Those taking part in physical activity stressed important rewards - physical, mental and emotional - including social interaction and immense pleasure.
- They relied on social support, accessible transport and good information to be able to take part.
- Barriers, on the other hand, including health issues, transport difficulties, cost, lack of variety and sustainability of activities, and lack of social support prevented many from taking part. Many also had fears about safety or were low in confidence.
- Leisure facilities were often inaccessible and could be unwelcoming to people with sight loss. Better signage, good lighting and removal of potential obstacles, both inside and outside of the building, could make them more accessible.
- The interests and needs of older people with sight loss vary enormously so the range of opportunities to participate in physical activities needs expanding to offer a wide variety of choice.
- With the number of older adults living with sight loss growing, visual impairment should be incorporated into the larger ageing agenda to improve awareness generally of sight loss in older age.
