Older adults' experience as peer educators in health promotion programs

Introduction Peer-led health promotion programs rely on community members to promote health-enhancing changes among their peers. Such programs are growing in popularity and, as a useful and relevant strategy to promote older adults' social participation, have shown benefit to participants' physical and psychological health. Little is known, however, about the experience of older adults involved as peer educators in health promotion programs. Methods: Using an exploratory qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 older adults, aged between 62 and 76 years, involved as peer educators in one or two health promotion programs. Qualitative analysis rested on a mixed (inductive and deductive) approach. The deductive analysis relied on the Do-Live-Well model-an occupation-based framework with roots in health promotion. Findings: Engaging as peer educators allowed participants to express their identity, develop their capabilities, experience pleasure, and contribute to society. They perceived their involvement in this occupation as beneficial for their physical, psychological, and cognitive health. Personal and social forces (e.g., skills acquired through previous work experiences, social support) were considered facilitators to enable older adults to engage as peer educators. Conclusion: Being facilitators in peer-led health promotion programs provides an opportunity for older adults to engage in a meaningful occupational experience that can lead to positive health outcomes, while advancing health promotion messages among their peers.