Racing into a healthy lifestyle: Evaluating a cycling competition in residential care
By AAG member Dr Ruth Brookman, Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist1
and co-authors Zac Hulm2, Leigh Hearn3, Joyce Siette1, Nitish Mathew2, Saili Deodhar2, Angela Cass1, Jamilla Smith3, Belinda Kenny3, Karen P. Y. Liu 3,4 and Celia B. Harris1 from 1The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University; 2Harbison; 3School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University; 4Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Whether we are children, new mums, or grandparents, we can probably all agree that participating in physical activity is good for our health. Yet how many of us find it difficult to get the exercise we need? Hitting our goal of those 10,000 steps a day, for example, can be difficult to achieve, and this can become increasingly challenging as we get older.
As a guideline, the Department of Health and Aged Care[1] recommends that older people engage in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day. However, the transition into residential care is frequently associated with less physical activity. Further, residents in care are more likely to feel depressed, especially when 85 years or older and have less access to exercise. Research shows that people living in residential care spend 85% of their time in sedentary activities, and it can be challenging for residents to feel motivated to exercise.[2]
The Road Worlds Competition for seniors began in Norway in 2013. It is one example of an innovative exercise program that seeks to meet the challenge of safely increasing physical activity for older people in care. The international competition (there are prizes!), incorporates visual technology (1000+ videos of cycling tracks around the world) and social engagement (residents compete as individuals and facilities). Residents participate in the annual virtual cycling competition using an adaptive stationary bike (image: the Thera trainer by Motitech).