New options needed for improving physical activity participation for older people: A narrative review of Baduanjin and Seniors Exercise Parks

Background Physical activity has many physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits across all ages, including for older people. However, older people continue to have low levels of physical activity participation. Diversity of options and choice are important considerations that may influence participation. There is a need for innovative approaches to physical activity that have research evidence demonstrating effectiveness, acceptability (including cultural acceptability) and suitability across the health spectrum for older people. The aim of this narrative review is to compare factors relating to two relatively new physical activity approaches emerging in Australia and internationally: Baduanjin (a form of traditional Chinese mind-body exercise), and outdoors Seniors Exercise Parks, that may influence physical activity participation. Methods A systematic review process evaluating outcomes associated with Baduanjin, and one evaluating outdoor exercise equipment, that included Seniors Exercise Parks were used as the basis for this narrative review. An additional search was conducted on Seniors Exercise Parks to update the 2021 outdoor exercise review publication; as well as additional searching on key parameters influencing participation in both of these forms of physical activity (such as acceptability, enjoyment and adherence). Results Twenty-six randomised trials from the Baduanjin review and nine studies (three randomised trials) from the outdoors exercise equipment review were used as the basis for this review; and a further 25 studies were identified to address the additional review aims. Both of these physical activity approaches have growing research evidence highlighting physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits for older people, although the existing research indicates Baduanjin has more often been used in older samples with health problems. Both Baduanjin and Seniors Exercise Parks have demonstrated good acceptability, enjoyment level and overall high adherence. Most Baduanjin research has been published in China, and Seniors Exercise Park research in Australia, so factors influencing their uptake in other countries warrants future research. Some feasibility factors may influence participation – for example, adverse weather may impact Seniors Exercise Park use. Conclusion Baduanjin and Seniors Exercise Parks both have supportive research to recommend greater use in practice, and warrant ongoing evaluation in Australia and other countries.