We mailed invitational letters requesting that those interested in participating call a study phone line. A research assistant returned all phone calls, screened for eligibility, answered questions about the study, and provided further information about the focus group if the caller agreed to attend. Additional eligibility criteria included ability to attend the focus group date and time, ability to walk one block with or without an assistive device, and ability to read and speak English.
Three were ineligible and seven were placed on a wait list as the focus group had already been filled. At the focus group, participants provided written consent and completed a brief survey before the focus group. A court reporter transcribed all focus group content verbatim. A digital recorder was also employed for back-up purposes. The recordings were reviewed and compared to the transcript provided by the court reporter.
Several small discrepancies which did not change the meaning of the discussion were noted and fixed prior to data analysis. The lead facilitator for three of the four focus groups DER has a background in clinical psychology, public health, and aging. She had previous experience conducting focus groups with older adults and obtained further guidance from local faculty with expertise in qualitative research design and data analysis.
The lead facilitator was available for the duration of this focus group to assist and ensure smooth operations. Both facilitators followed a semi- structured interview guide consisting of six open-ended questions See Appendix A for list of complete questions. Questions covered views on the importance of PA, the types of PA support available from their health care system, and views on the senior fitness program benefits. Participants Two of the four focus groups were comprised of participants who had no record of attending a senior fitness program.
Participants can access the gym, like any other type of gym membership, to use equipment or attend any classes that are offered at the facility. In addition, group-based SS classes are offered at facilities.
