A Scoping Review on Community-Based Programs to Promote Physical Activity in Older Immigrants

J Aging Phys Act. 2022 May 23;31(1):144-154. doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0258. Print 2023 Feb 1.

Abstract

Older immigrants are at higher risks for inactivity due to cultural, environmental, and social barriers in the postmigration context. Community-based physical activity (PA) programs increase PA in older adults, yet little is known about approaches that specifically target older immigrants. This scoping review explores the literature on community-based programs that increase PA and physical fitness in immigrant older adults and identifies barriers and facilitators to PA program participation in this population. A systematic search of electronic databases and gray literature was conducted, and a total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria after full-text screening. A range of populations and PA program characteristics are described, yet there is a lack of studies on older immigrant men, Black older immigrants, and immigrants from Arab and African countries. There is a need for further research to develop evidence-informed PA programs for this diverse population.

Keywords: exercise; health behavior; minority.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physical Fitness
  • Sedentary Behavior