BACKGROUND: Maintaining long-term engagement in physical activity programs among older adults remains challenging. This study examines actual and potential sustainability and adherence to a home-based online exercise program at six- and twelve-month follow-ups, while also analyzing perceived barriers, facilitators, and benefits. METHODS: This follow-up study included 82 independent, home-dwelling older adults (mean age 73.7 ± 3.4; 77% female) who had previously completed a 12-week randomized controlled trial. 6- and 12-months sustainability and adherence were assessed using a custom-designed online questionnaire. Actual sustainability measured ongoing participation, while potential sustainability reflected willingness to engage in regular exercise. Participants were classified as regular, irregular, or non-exercisers, with follow-up closed-ended, semi-open, and open-ended questions exploring influencing factors. Adherence was categorized as high, moderate, or none, based on participation frequency and consistency. Data analysis combined quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative (thematic analysis) approaches. RESULTS: At six months, 79.3% of participants remained engaged, decreasing to 70.7% at twelve months, while potential sustainability remained high at 89% and 78.1%, respectively. High adherence was observed in 51.3% at six months and 47.8% at twelve months. Barriers included a lack of motivation and time, while social support and external incentives facilitated adherence. Most reported benefits among exercisers at the six- and twelve-month follow-ups were improved well-being (43/42), flexibility (41/37), and energy (20/20). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that long-term sustainability and adherence to home-based online exercise programs are achievable. The findings underscore the importance of understanding and flexible engagement models and highlight the potential for integrating similar strategies into future exercise programs for older adults.

Staying active is important for healthy aging, but many older adults find it difficult to maintain long-term exercise habits. Our study looked at how well older adults continued engaging in a home-based online exercise program PERMANENTO at six and twelve months after completing a research trial. We also asked about the barriers that made it harder to take part, the factors that helped people keep going, and the benefits they noticed. Our results showed that most participants kept exercising beyond the initial research trial, with 79.3% still active at six months and 70.7% at twelve months. Importantly, 78.1% expressed willingness to re-engage in the future. Many participants benefited from the program, reporting that they felt better, more flexible, more energetic, and more confident. Key factors that supported long-term participation included flexibility, digital accessibility, functional movement, and educational content. However, some participants faced challenges such as health issues, lack of motivation, or family obligations that interfered with regular exercise. These findings suggest that home-based online exercise programs can be a sustainable option for older adults. These insights may inspire future programs that truly support everyday change. Not just talk about movement, but help people live it.

Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long Term Care Faculty of Humanities Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Department of Nonverbal Theatre Faculty of Music and Dance Academy of Performing Arts Prague Prague Czech Republic

Department of Physiology and Biochemistry Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Hussite Theological Faculty Charles University Prague Czech Republic

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