Exploring lived experiences of community Aquafit participation among older adults with chronic pain

Abstract

Aquatic exercise has consistently been shown to be beneficial to older adults with chronic pain. The most accessible and affordable form of aquatic exercise is Aquafit, which is a group fitness class commonly offered at community recreation facilities. Despite their widespread availability, studies on community Aquafit programs have been limited. This study sought to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of older adults with chronic pain who routinely participate in community Aquafit programs. This phenomenological study analyzed interview data from six participants from 65 to 88 years of age who attended Aquafit classes two to five times per week. Performing a thematic analysis of interview content yielded four major themes (1) “It’s a part of my chronic pain arsenal,” (2) “It’s a type of exercise I can actually do and enjoy,” (3) Impacts of organizations and facilities, and (4) “These relationships are precious… we are an Aquafit family, a support group.” Aquafit participation contributed to participants’ overall lifestyle by aiding in their pain management, facilitating active leisure involvement despite constraints, and expanding their social circle and support networks. Further, applying the model of selective optimization with compensation (SOC) to participants’ stories demonstrated the use of Aquafit as a way to continue active leisure involvement despite physical constraints. Overall, participants improved their quality of life through more than pain management, as demonstrated by the stories of perceived competence, enjoyment, friendship, and a sense of community support. Future qualitative research on community Aquafit classes is needed to better understand participant experiences with these popular programs. Further, this study was the first to explore community Aquafit participation as an SOC strategy. Therefore, additional inquiries into this relationship may facilitate a stronger understanding of aging and living with chronic pain.