Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Reframing Retirement: An Examination of Identity Change and Self-Regulation Approaches to Promote Physical Activity

This study, called "Reframing Retirement," aims to find better ways to help people aged 60-70 who have recently retired to become more physically active. Many people in this age group don't get enough exercise, which can lead to health problems later on. The researchers are testing various online tools designed to encourage activity by focusing on things like personal identity, daily habits, and self-management skills. They want to see if these tools can help people become more active, improve their physical and mental well-being, and boost their general fitness over 12 months. This is important because retirement can be a big life change, and it's a good time to build healthier routines for the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Victoria

Enrolment target

159

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2030

Physical Activity Health Promotion

What is this study about?

This study, called "Reframing Retirement," is looking into new and better ways to help people who have recently retired get more physically active. Many people, especially as they get older, don't do enough exercise. This can increase their risk of developing health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or memory problems. Even though we know exercise is really good for us, many programmes designed to help people get active haven't always worked as well as hoped.

This study focuses specifically on adults aged 60 to 70 who have recently stopped working. Retirement is a big life change, and it can affect daily routines and how people see themselves. The researchers believe this time could be a perfect opportunity to help people create healthier habits. They are testing whether different online programmes, which look at things like your personal identity (how you see yourself, for example, as an active person) and ways to manage your own behaviour, can make a real difference.

Ultimately, the main goal is to find out if these online tools can help people become more active throughout the week. The study also wants to see if being more active can improve people's overall health, including their physical fitness and how they feel mentally. The hope is that these findings will help create better programmes to support the health and well-being of retired people in the future.

Key takeaways

This study helps retired people aged 60-70 get more active.
It tests online tools focusing on habits and self-management.
The goal is to improve physical activity, fitness, and mental well-being.
Participation lasts 12 months and involves online programmes and some testing.
It's for people who are not currently getting enough exercise.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are between 60 and 70 years old. You need to have retired from your job fairly recently – specifically, within the last year and a half.

To join, you must be able to use the internet on a computer or smartphone. It's also important that you can do moderate to vigorous physical activity on your own. This means you should be able to exercise at an intensity where you can talk, but not sing, without needing help.

The study is specifically looking for people who are not currently meeting the recommended levels of physical activity. This means you should be doing less than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 60 and 70 years old?
Have you retired from your job within the last 1.5 years?
Do you have internet access on a computer or smartphone?
Are you able to exercise at a moderate level on your own (e.g., brisk walking)?
Do you currently do less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it will last for 12 months. Before you start, you'll go through a screening process to make sure you're a good fit. This will involve filling out an online questionnaire. You'll also be given a small device called an accelerometer, which you wear for seven days to measure your current activity levels and confirm you're eligible.

After this, you'll visit a lab for some fitness tests. You'll then be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Each group will use a different online programme. These programmes will involve using a digital platform, and you'll receive education and skills to help you become more active. You won't be given any new medications as part of this study, and there will be no requirement for follow-up visits beyond the 12-month study period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as learning new strategies to boost your physical activity and improve your overall well-being. By becoming more active, you could improve your fitness, mood, and long-term health. However, as with any exercise programme, there's a small risk of discomfort or minor injury, which the researchers will try to minimise through careful guidance. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your relationship with the researchers.

Locations (1)

University of Victoria
Verified postcode
Victoria, Canada

Common questions

What kind of online tools will I use?

The study uses online platforms focused on helping you build better habits, manage your activity, or learn generally about health and exercise.

Do I need to be very fit to join?

No, often this study is looking for people who are not currently doing enough exercise, but you must be able to exercise at a moderate level on your own.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study is about physical activity and online tools, not new medications.

How long does the study last?

The study will last for 12 months, which is one year.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are completely free to leave the study at any time you wish, for any reason.

How to find out more

Sandy Courtnall L Project Coordinator/Manager, Behavioural Medicine Lab

bml@uvic.ca 250 472 5288 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.