Social isolation of older adults: A qualitative study of the effects of group outdoor healthwalks on socialwellbeing

ABSTRACT

Objective: In these times of COVID, social isolation is a problem especially affecting older adults. Outdoor social gathering, with appropriate physical distancing, is often recommended. Group outdoor health walks (GOHW) are nature-based interventions that promote physical activity, positive emotions, and mental wellbeing. However, results of quantitative social health scales often do not match qualitative reports of enhanced social wellbeing. In this qualitative study, we explore older adults' experiences of a GOHW to learn how the walks might mitigate social isolation and promote social wellbeing. Methods: Eight individual or paired interviews were recorded among nine walkers six months after a 12-week GOHW. Analysis was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team. The coding frame included both a priori and emergent codes. An iterative process identified key themes. Results: Three themes illustrated the social dimensions of GOHW. First, individuals' social relatedness changed loneliness, social confidence and the quality of friendships, through mixing during and after the walks. Second, social support was experienced through emerging group cohesion and the supportive environment for inexperienced or physically challenged individuals. Tensions were also identified. Third, the social component of GOHW was related to walker wellbeing, by providing an opportunity to safely exercise outdoors, while the socializing helped them overcome their physical ailments and offered something to look forward to each week. Together these themes provide insight into the social elements of nature-based interventions, the mediating effects of group cohesion and social support, and the contribution to wellbeing. Conclusion: GOHWs mitigate social isolation by providing a low-risk social activity that develops and strengthens relationships among members of the walking group. Socializing, group cohesion and social support contribute to both physical and social wellbeing. With attention to physical distancing, GOHW may be beneficial in COVID times. Findings also can inform selection and development of social health measures for use in studies of nature-based interventions.