O2-5 Mobilising People as Assets for community-based active ageing promotion: A multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives

Abstract Background Citizens who contribute as volunteers and peer mentors within a community are important assets that can be mobilised to improve health and wellbeing. In order to optimise the contribution of peer-volunteers to active ageing initiatives, we need to understand their experiences and identify ways to support them in preparing for the role and overcoming potential challenges. Aim: This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering active ageing initiatives implemented in UK and provides an in-depth account of how such initiatives can effectively mobilise individuals as community assets. It draws on the experience of all actors involved in such initiatives, ranging from volunteers, recipients of volunteering actions, volunteer managers and volunteering service providers. Methods This evidence synthesis used qualitative data from (a) three studies focusing on the development (phase 1), feasibility trial evaluation (phase 2) and community roll-out (phase 3) of ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged), a peer volunteering active ageing intervention, alongside (b) the experiences of third sector organisations in providing peer volunteering programmes. Ten managers, 22 volunteers and 20 ACE participants were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. Results Seven main themes including 33 higher and 22 lower order themes were identified: Motives; Benefits; Characteristics of peer volunteers; Challenges; Training needs; Recruitment; Successful strategies for maintenance. Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment were the main reasons for volunteering. Volunteering was described as being personally rewarding, an avenue to acquire new skills and knowledge, and increased social connections and physical activity. Effective volunteers are committed, reliable, have a good sense of humour, good interpersonal skills and are able to relate to the participants. When pairing volunteers with participants, clarity of role, level of time commitment, shared interests and geographical proximity are worth considering. Conclusions Successful implementation of peer-volunteering initiatives requires the use of appropriate recruitment routes, easy joining procedures, provision of ongoing support, good communication across all stakeholders, feedback and recognition of effort and a dedicated team to build resilience and provide volunteers with administrative support.


Background
Citizens who contribute as volunteers and peer mentors within a community are important assets that can be mobilised to improve health and wellbeing. In order to optimise the contribution of peer-volunteers to active ageing initiatives, we need to understand their experiences and identify ways to support them in preparing for the role and overcoming potential challenges. Aim: This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering active ageing initiatives implemented in UK and provides an in-depth account of how such initiatives can effectively mobilise individuals as community assets. It draws on the experience of all actors involved in such initiatives, ranging from volunteers, recipients of volunteering actions, volunteer managers and volunteering service providers. Methods This evidence synthesis used qualitative data from (a) three studies focusing on the development (phase 1), feasibility trial evaluation (phase 2) and community roll-out (phase 3) of ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged), a peer volunteering active ageing intervention, alongside (b) the experiences of third sector organisations in providing peer volunteering programmes. Ten managers, 22 volunteers and 20 ACE participants were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis.

Results
Seven main themes including 33 higher and 22 lower order themes were identified: Motives; Benefits; Characteristics of peer volunteers; Challenges; Training needs; Recruitment; Successful strategies for maintenance. Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment were the main reasons for volunteering. Volunteering was described as being personally rewarding, an avenue to acquire new skills and knowledge, and increased social connections and physical activity. Effective volunteers are committed, reliable, have a good sense of humour, good interpersonal skills and are able to relate to the participants. When pairing volunteers with participants, clarity of role, level of time commitment, shared interests and geographical proximity are worth considering. Conclusions Successful implementation of peer-volunteering initiatives requires the use of appropriate recruitment routes, easy joining procedures, provision of ongoing support, good communication across all stakeholders, feedback and recognition of effort and a dedicated team to build resilience and provide volunteers with administrative support. Keywords: community assets, peer volunteering, peer support, physical activity, active ageing

Background
Older age is often associated with functional, social, and mental health problems, leading to major financial burdens on the health care sector, as the number of older adults (65+ years) is expected to increase to 22% by the year 2050. Using neighbourhood open spaces (NOS) for physical activity and social interaction may be an easy way for older adults to uphold healthy and active ageing. However, little is known about older adults' use of NOS. The purpose of this study was to assess factors promoting or inhibiting older adults' use of NOS in a deprived neighbourhood before and after an environmental intervention creating or improving facilities for older adults within NOS. Methods A convergent mixed methods approach was used to assess outcomes of a participatory research intervention. Observations using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities were conducted to observe older adults living in a deprived neighbourhood, and their use of 13 NOS in spring 2017 (baseline) and spring 2018 (follow-up). Semi-structures interviews with ten older adults were held in spring 2018 to identify barriers and facilitators for using NOS.

Results
The intervention resulted in the construction of two pavilions and renovated benches, including raised flower beds and small bench-tables. An increase of 44% more older adults was observed at follow-up using the NOS with the renovated benches. No use of the two pavilions was observed. The interviews identified six important factors for older adults' use of NOS: weather, support for social caretakers, support for resourceful volunteers, organized activities, social interaction, and sense of ownership. Conclusions Social interaction is a key factor for older adults' use of NOS and should be prioritized by health promoters in combination Abstract citation ID: ckac094.015 O2-7 Leading the Way Together: A cluster randomised controlled trial of the 5R Shared Leadership Program in older adult walking groups Katrien Fransen 1 , Filip Boen 1 , Tegan Cruwys 2 , Catherine Haslam 3 , Peter Iserbyt 1 , Jan Seghers 1 , Julie Vanderlinden 1 , Jannique van Uffelen 1 1 Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium 2 Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia 3 School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Corresponding author: filip.boen@kuleuven.be Background With a rapidly ageing society, healthy ageing has become a key challenge for older adults. Engagement in physical activity, and particularly walking, is a key strategy that contributes to healthy ageing. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a group walking program for older adults that incorporates the 5R Shared Leadership Program (5RS), compared to a regular group walking program. By implementing a structure of shared leadership and strengthening peer leaders' identity leadership, 5RS has in other contexts been associated with greater performance and well-being.

Methods
Our cluster randomised controlled trial included 19 older adult walking groups (i.e., the clusters; N = 503; Mage = 69.23 years, SD = 6.68), which all participated in a 12-week structured group walking program. Nine of these walking groups (n = 304) were randomly assigned to the intervention condition and received additionally the 5RS program.
ii36 European Journal of Public Health, Volume 32 Supplement 2, 2022