Older Adults’ Perspective Towards Participation in A Multicomponent Frailty Prevention Program: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore pre-frail and frail older Chinese people's perspectives on a multi-component, group-based frailty prevention program in Hong Kong, along with their views regarding factors determining participation and sustainability of such program. DESIGN Seven focus groups were conducted. SETTING Community elderly centres. PARTICIPANTS A total of 38 community-dwelling older people aged 54 - 84 (mean age, 64.9 years; female, 58%; married, 68%; retired, 97%) screened with pre-frailty or frailty completing a 12-week multi-component (involving physical, cognitive, and social activities), group-based frailty prevention program were interviewed. MEASUREMENTS Thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Using thematic analysis, perceived health benefits, peer support and social networking were identified as key motivators concerning intention to participate in the frailty prevention program; whereas perceived health benefits, socializing, sense of connectedness, expert guidance and sense of dignity were identified as key motivators concerning program adherence. CONCLUSION Majority of participants provided positive feedbacks about the multi-component intervention program in regards to their physical health, psychological well-being and social life. These findings highlighted several important factors for consideration in future design of frailty interventions regarding the needs of pre-frail and frail older adults, which could help to motivate and sustain their participation in community-based frailty prevention programs.