Shuttle Time for Seniors: The Impact of 8-Week Structured Badminton Training on Markers of Healthy Aging and Evaluation of Lived Experiences—A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background/Objectives: Engagement in sport offers the potential for improved physical and psychological wellbeing and has been shown to be beneficial for promoting healthy ageing. Opportunities for older adults to (re)engage with sport are limited by a paucity of age-appropriate introductory sports intervention programmes. As such, the study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed 8-week badminton training programme (Shuttle Time for Seniors; STS) on markers of healthy ageing and the lived experiences of participation. Methods: Forty-three older adults assigned to a control (N=20) or intervention group (N=23) completed pre-post assessment of physical and cognitive function, self-efficacy for exercise and wellbeing. Focus groups were conducted for programme evaluation and to understand barriers and enablers to sustained participation. Results: Those in the intervention group increased upper body strength, aerobic fitness, coincidence anticipation time, and self-efficacy for exercise. Objectively improved physical and cognitive function were corroborated by perceived benefits indicated in thematic analysis. STS was perceived as appropriate for the population, where the age-appropriate opportunity to participate with likeminded people of similar ability was a primary motivator to engagement. Despite willingness to continue playing, lack of badminton infrastructure was a primary barrier to continued engagement. Conclusion: STS offered an important opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with badminton, where the physical and psychosocial benefits of group-based badminton improved facets important to healthy ageing. Significance/Implications: Age-appropriate introductory intervention programmes provide opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with sport. However, important barriers to long term engagement need to be addressed from a whole systems perspective.