A qualitative study exploring inactive older adults' experiences in a group-based hiking program

Objectives: To explore inactive older adults experiences within a group based hiking program held twice weekly for 8 weeks. Methods: As part of a larger study exploring a hiking program among older adults, a purposeful sample of participants (n = 10; age = 66.9+/-8.0), who self-reported not meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines of 150 min per week were recruited. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted at the end of the hiking program. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded following guidelines for reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants shared that, (1) their experience with the hiking program was overwhelmingly positive and satisfying; (2) hiking helped them get in better shape; (3) being outdoors made them feel better, and (4) being with others in the hiking group was important to them. Discussion: Inactive older adults were satisfied with and benefited from a hiking program. Positive benefits may be due to the group and naturebased experience of the program and their benefit on accountability and enjoyment. Given the low rates of PA participation among older adults, hiking programs may be a way of increasing PA uptake in this population.