Abstract
Sarcopenia is projected to increase by 113% from 2016–2051₁, risking major healthcare issues without targeted intervention.
Many community-based services discontinued due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Clients had fallen out of their routines and expressed a lack of confidence in walking outdoors and a fear of falling, with loneliness and social isolation increasingly evident.
In response, Churchtown Walk & Talk was developed, in partnership between the Health Service Executive (HSE) Community Healthcare East, Primary Care, Health & Wellbeing and Making Connections - a Befriending and Wellbeing charity.
Two walking groups were piloted in 2022 and a further three were delivered in 2023 with the following objectives. To increase:
- Physical activity levels
- Muscle strength to reduce frailty
- Health and wellbeing through socialisation
The programme adopted a collaboration of interdisciplinary and multiagency working between partners, and adopted meaningful engagement with participants to ensure its ongoing success.
Suitable clients (over 65yrs+) were referred into the programme by Primary Care and screened for eligibility using PAR-Q. Inclusion criteria required being independently mobile +/- walking aid.
Pre/post outcome measures were carried out at weeks one and six: Five Times Sit to Stand (FTS2S), Hand Dynamometer Grip Strength (HDGS) and The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Pedometers recorded steps.
Clients decided the route, distance and duration of the walk (≤one hour). On completion of the walk, participants were accompanied to a local café for further social engagement. Ongoing collaboration with participants resulted in valuable, co-produced improvements to the programme.
Following completion of five walking groups, (n=52 pre/post assessments), the average score for FTS2S reduced from 30.02s to 15.65s. HDGS improved by 2.34kg (left hand) and 1.55kg (right hand). The WEMWBS yielded an improvement score of 0.67. 85% of participants reported a positive impact on their health and wellbeing from the programme. 74% of participants were engaging in physical activity for 5-7days post programme versus 47% pre intervention (2023 groups).
The older population in Ireland is projected to grow over the coming decades₂, and frailty increases risk of disability; falls and cognitive decline. The improvements in muscle strength demonstrated in this programme could help reduce sarcopenia locally. Ireland has the highest levels of loneliness in Europe₃, which can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. A public health approach to loneliness can have a wider societal impact by enabling connection among older adults.
This client centred walking group has empowered the local community to participate in physical activity and social interaction to optimise their quality of life.
- European Working Group estimates of sarcopenia prevelance in people aged over 60 years in the community: (Mayhew et al 2019)
- Sheehan, A. and O’Sullivan, R., (2020) Ageing and Public Health – an overview of key statistics in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Dublin: Institute of Public Health.
- European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion (DG EMPL).