Table 3 Themes identified from participants’ open-ended responses on program evaluation
Themes | Categories | Sub-categories | Supporting quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
Usefulness of programme | Mindset growth towards personal health and ageing experiences | Learning practical health knowledge about self-care in ageing | ‘The program let us understand what to do, how to deal with situations in life and illnesses… how we would want to live our lives. For example, we need to face life situations encountered or when we were hospitalised. And to communicate with family, seek help from others, confide in friends, instead of handing these matters alone.’ (B4) |
Straightening out thoughts on personal ageing experiences | ‘you interacted with peers such as older adults, you can listen and discuss about their experiences, views. They help to open up your mind. Otherwise, you feel lonely, no one can straighten your thoughts and you also do not know to manage these (aging) issues. Only after attending the class, you have solutions to manage them’ (A12) | ||
Being proactive and motivated to adopt healthful behaviours | Increase in self-care health practices | ‘After joining SHAPE, I eat more nutritious food. Whenever I eat, I will think about the nutrition components… and I will scout and buy the foods. I signed up for a course on computer use at the community centre in the following month… because I want to learn something and … not to keep staying at home the whole day, need to go out and do some meaningful activities.’ (B9) | |
Increase reception and proactiveness in health-seeking behaviours | ‘There is a change in our health seeking behaviours, such as how to look for medical help, what (phone) numbers to call whenever emergency situation arises’ (B1) | ||
Experience physical and cognitive health benefits | ‘the pushing against the wall exercises strengthen my arms. Also, we were taught how to sit on the floor and get up… Previously, I didn’t know how to sit and stand up properly and anyhow pressed onto both of my legs and had back pain.’ (A16) | ||
Programme experience | Enjoyable positive learning experiences | A worthwhile programme | ‘Time spent on the program is worthwhile…there was once when I had to go to (place) and could not attend. Apart from that, there are no other factors that I will not continue’ (B5) |
Satisfactory programme arrangement | ‘Nothing in SHAPE I dislike. I like all activities, including the food and snacks introduced’ (A9) | ||
Positive interaction with instructor | ‘The instructor is affable, sincere and develops relationships with participants… the long duration of time spent… facilitated communication.’ (A18) | ||
Suitability for seniors | Tailored for seniors | ‘Programme is closely aligned to our lives, how to be better, how to change’ (A16) | |
Catering for specific needs and preferences | ‘Homework is not difficult, just that I am not able to write responses out.’ (A13) ‘I think some of the exercises might be vigorous for older adults.’ (B1) |