The Role of the Instructor in Exercise and Physical Activity Programmes for Older People

The instructor must work with health and social care services, commissioners, family, friends, and peers to optimise older peoples’ participation in exercise and physical activity programmes. Personal attributes of the instructor, such as leadership and conscientiousness, and learnt skills, such as goal setting and engaging social activity, are important in supporting older people to engage. These skills can be gained through training and experience and influence both uptake and retention. Further research is required to understand more about the role of the instructor in different settings and in relation to physical activity. Before concluding, we highlight key recommendations for practice.