Impact of A Community-Led "Park Prescription" Intervention on Physical Activity Levels among Sedentary Older Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhs.3485Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze the impact of a community-led "park prescription" intervention on physical activity levels among sedentary older adults.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The community-led "park prescription" program significantly increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels among previously sedentary older adults, with participants averaging an additional 45 active minutes per week. This improvement was linked to the intervention's social support component and improved access to tailored, local green spaces. The findings suggest that empowering community groups to facilitate nature-based prescriptions is a viable, low-cost strategy for enhancing physical activity in this at-risk demographic.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Socioecological model, social cognitive theory & self-determination theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of a community-led "park prescription" intervention on physical activity levels among sedentary older adults. For hospital administrators and nurse leaders, this study provides actionable, evidence-based strategies to mitigate burnout by targeting a modifiable skill set. At the policy level, this research provides a compelling evidence base to advocate for systemic changes that protect the nursing workforce in an increasingly digital healthcare ecosystem.
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