THE SATISFACTION OF OLDER ADULTS ABOUT ONLINE GROUP EXERCISE PROGRAM: AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC -Are older adults satisfied with online group exercise program?

BACKGROUND: Considering the impact of lockdown on older adults, there is a need for some online option to maintain the physical and mental well-being of this vulnerable population in the current pandemic situation. Generally, In the Indian context, elderly are not well acquainted with online platforms for different purposes of shopping, health or for being socially active. However with adequate training they are willing to learn new technologies and adapt to online platforms. OBJECTIVES: To find the satisfaction of Online group exercise program for older adult's population to maintain their physical and mental well-being. METHODOLOGY: It was a web-based intervention study where 40 participants were invited to fill the patient satisfaction questionnaire and feedback form using Google Forms. Participants who have attended the online group exercise class at least for a period of 1 month (20 Sessions) were included in the study. Out of 40, 34 participants responded to the questionnaire. RESULTS: As per descriptive statistical analysis, results showed that 100% of study population was satisfied in all aspects of online exercise program. CONCLUSION: With adequate training and constant technical support; elderly population can be encouraged to participate in online group exercise program which is well appreciated by this population as an alternative option in changing health care delivery models.