This paper presents an experimental study aimed at promoting physical activity among individuals aged over 50 through an app-based messaging intervention. A total of 312 participants were recruited via online panels. The intervention involved the delivery of prefactual («if… then…») messages over a two-week period. These messages were framed in terms of ‘Gain’ or ‘Non-Loss’ and focused on either the physical or mental health consequences of engaging in physical activity. Findings indicated that, overall, exposure to ‘Mental Non-Loss’ messages led to an increase in light and moderate physical activity and a reduction in sedentary behaviour. The effectiveness of the messages varied according to individual interests: those with low interest in mental health showed increased light physical activity when exposed to ‘Mental Gain’ messages, whereas individuals with a high interest in physical health increased their light physical activity in response to ‘Physical Non-Loss’ messages. This intervention provides valuable insights into how personalised communication strategies can effectively promote physical activity among older adults.
Catholic University of Sacro Cuore of Milan, Italy - ORCID: 0009-0000-3794-3684
University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0003-2122-2764
Catholic University of Sacro Cuore of Milan, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0002-4111-6443
Catholic University of Sacro Cuore of Milan, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0002-7195-8967
Chapter Title
Promuovere l’invecchiamento attivo attraverso la comunicazione: effetti di un intervento tramite app per incentivare l’attività fisica
Authors
Laura Picciafoco, Michela Vezzoli, Valentina Carfora, Patrizia Catellani
Language
Italian
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0744-7.52
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2025
Copyright Information
© 2025 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
Accompagnare la longevità
Book Subtitle
Buone pratiche educative e formative per l’invecchiamento attivo
Editors
Vanna Boffo, Michele Bertani, Donatella Bramanti, Rabih Chattat, Laura Formenti
Peer Reviewed
Number of Pages
628
Publication Year
2025
Copyright Information
© 2025 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0744-7
ISBN Print
979-12-215-0743-0
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-0744-7
eISBN (xml)
979-12-215-0745-4
Series Title
Studies on Adult Learning and Education
Series ISSN
2704-596X
Series E-ISSN
2704-5781