The social ecological model understands health to be affected by the interaction between the individual, the group/community, and the physical, social, and political environments (National Institute of Health Publication, 2011, pp.20). As seen in figure 1 the individual is at the core of the model and broadens out to explore the interaction with its relationships and its community. A person’s health can directly be impacted by its surroundings (King & Gonzalez,2018). With an ever-aging population, physical inactivity is one of the leading causes in health issues in older adults (Langhammer,2018). 87% of older adults in Canada are below recommended guidelines for physical activity, while globally only 30-60% are living sedentary lifestyles (McKay,2018).
At the core of the model there is the individual and their characteristics which includes a person’s age, gender, education, income and health history. Disparities such as males are more likely to be physically active than females in older age or widowed females tend be more physically active, are all values that have an impact on the individual (Lee & Park, 2021). Secondly the interpersonal level includes a person’s social surroundings including family and friends. Older adults have reported that having a spouse or a family member who encourages them to purse any form of physical activity had a positive impact on their life (McKay et al, 2018). The third level of the model speaks to that of organization, such as clubs or groups. Older adults who join weekly classes, or are part of certain groups, have a better sense of belonging and have more encouragement to stay healthy (Langhammer et al, 2018). The fourth level of the model is based on community and ease of access to recreation facilities, parks and safe environments for exercises (King, 2018). The urban design and the architecture of a community has a direct influence on a person physical activity level (Lee & Park, 2021). Lastly the fifth component of the socio ecological model englobes policies and the government. Positive changes done at the administration level can trickle down to have positive effects on the older adult population. Older adults are encouraged to join in and take a seat on their local council to have a voice about their specific needs (King & Gonzalez, 2018).
Aging and physical inactivity increases the risk of chronic illness and morbidity in the older adult (Langhammer,2018). Promotion of active aging has the potential to slow down the burden on today’s heath care system by decreasing co morbidities in the older adult, and allowing them to live fuller happier lives (Smith et al, 2017). Addressing physical activity behavior from an ecological model framework helps professionals plan, develop, implement, and evaluate physical activity interventions for the older adult (King & Gonzelz,2018).
References
King, K.P., & Gonzalez G.B. (2018). Increasing Physical Activity Using An Ecological Model. Acsm’s Health & Fitness Journal, 22(4), 29-32. https://doi.org/10.1249/fit.0000000000000397
Langhammer, B., Bergland, A., & Rydwik, E. (2018). The importance of Physical Activity Exercise among Older People. BioMed Research International, 2018, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7856823
Lee, Y., & Park, S. (2021). Understanding of physical activity in social Ecological Perspective: Application of Multilevel model. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.622929
McKay, H., Nettlefold, L., Bauman, A., Hoy, C. L., Gray, S. M., Lau, E. Y., & Sims‐Gould, J. (2018). Implementation of a co-designed physical activity program for older adults: positive impact when delivered at scale. BMC Public Health, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6210-2
Principles of community engagement (2nd ed.). (2011). National Institute of Health Publication. Retrieved from : https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/communityengagement/pdf/PCE_Report_508_FINAL.pdf
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