Developing and Evaluating the Feasibility of a Mall-Walking Program in Lower Austria to Promote Physical Activity, Social Engagement, and Well-Being in At-Risk Older Adults - A Citizen Science Approach

The study is part of the GFF-funded Citizen Science project which develops and evaluates the feasibility of a mall-walking program for older adults in Lower Austria. Regular physical activity is essential for healthy ageing, yet many older adults remain insufficiently active, particularly those who are frail, socially isolated, or living in institutional settings. Shopping centers provide a safe, accessible, and weather-independent environment for walking, making them promising venues to promote physical activity and social participation.

The objectives of the project are to:
1. Examine the perceived barriers and facilitators of participation in a mall-walking program targeting community-dwelling and vulnerable older adults
2. Identify the requirements and support needs for engaging and sustaining peer leaders
3. Examine the perceived barriers, facilitators and requirements for successful implementation according to coordinators of homes for ageing adults and other relevant professionals

The Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Science (DRIVEN), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) provides behavioural science expertise to the project. Specifically, members of DRIVEN will use their expertise to help design the intervention materials and provide advice and help with the analysis of quantitative and mixed-methods data.