Vitality at home: a phenomenological study of tele-exercise in women aged 80 and older

Background: Since the onset of coronavirus 2019, there has been an upsurge of tele-exercise delivery. Previous studies showed old adults find tele-exercise feasible and acceptable. However, there is limited understanding of the oldest-old’s experiences. Method: This study used the interpretative phenomenological approach. Two semi-structured interviews and home visits were conducted with six oldest-old women, aged between 81 and 91 years, who participated in tele-exercise classes. Results: Four superordinate themes were identified: ambivalent perception of safety, ease in regular participation, reminded and guided to move the aged body, and technological adaptation. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that tele-exercise has the potential to assist the oldest-old living in the community in maintaining an adequate activity levels at home, which they perceive as the safest place. Emerging themes provide insights into their lived experiences, enabling service providers to enhance tele-exercise services for this group in the tele-health era.