Aging & Gerontology

Abstract

Implementing the S.A.F.E Recreational Activity Injury Prevention Program, and Its Importance for Elder Communities: To investigate the need and acceptance of a community-based recreational activity injury prevention program among senior populations 60 years and older, we designed an educational program to teach and inform on recreational activities and preventative strategies to reduce the risk of injury. A program was created and implemented into a senior community center’s regular schedule.  Participants affiliated with the local community center engaged with the program on a volunteer basis and were encouraged to attend all sessions. The eight-session program consisted of modules such as walking, dance and ADLs, with components: a) education on popular recreational activity benefits, risks; b) specific safety tips for daily use related to the activity; c) stretches and exercises to prepare for the activity and prevent injury. To evaluate and improve the program, an end-of-session survey collected anonymous feedback. 70 total survey responses were recorded. Surveys answered were structured on a Likert rating scale from one to five, with one denoting the lowest value and five denoting the highest value. Results from these surveys attained a mean satisfaction score of 4.55 (SD 0.61) when asked about the content of the program. Surveys also attained a mean score of 4.86 (SD 0.43) when asked about the participant’s self-efficacy to replicate the program’s content. These results confirm the program content acceptance as a beneficial asset and its value to the elderly community, as well as confirming self-efficacy of its execution by seniors. Further programs should be developed to educate this population on recreational injury prevention.

Biography

Marco has completed his Bachelors of Science in Health Science at the age of 23 years from Northeastern. He is a pre-medical student seeking further education to pursue physical medicine and rehabilitation.