Abstract Background Physical inactivity in community-dwelling older adults is modifiable, and physical interventions are effective in reducing age-related decline and disease. Despite this, engagement and retention of older adults in community physical activity (PA) programmes are limited. This review explores factors affecting implementation of effective PA programmes for older people in the community. Methods Review of qualitative literature identified from MEDLINE, Social Policy and Practice, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science from 1999–2024. Data were extracted inductively by two independent reviewers and synthesised thematically using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivations (COM-B) and Theoretical Domains Frameworks (TDF). Results 8647 articles were identified from searches and 57 (42 qualitative, 15 mixed-methods) studies included in the review. The review found complex interacting factors that affected the delivery of PA interventions (skillset of the instructors, regular training and habit formation) alongside factors that influenced older adult’s motivations to first engage in PA interventions and to maintain physically active over time (social influence of others, family members influence, resources and environmental conditions). A key finding was the identification of facilitators that are required to create both a cohesive, social environment for the intervention to take place, alongside the need for tailored interventions that meet the needs of participants. Conclusions This review has extended previous works by including factors that are influential to PA from the perspectives of intervention deliverers and highlighted the importance of assessing the needs of those who deliver the intervention. These factors should be taken into consideration when implementing programmes to support older adults to engage long-term with PA interventions.
Mahmoud et al. (Sun,) studied this question.