CAREFIT ─ Supporting physical activity and functional capacity among older caregivers

As the population ages, informal caregiving is an important part of the Finnish social and healthcare system. Health and well-being of caregivers affect their ability to care for their loved ones. The CAREFIT study examines physical activity (PA) behavior of older informal caregivers and its impact on their functional ability. The study utilizes data from the FINGER study, which has previously demonstrated the benefits of a lifestyle program in preventing cognitive and functional decline. In the CAREFIT study, the PA and functional ability trajectories of caregivers who participated in the FINGER study are followed-up for 11-years. Additionally, new interview data collected within the study will be used to tailor and implement a caregiver-specific PA intervention. The study will broaden the understanding how PA influences the functional ability of older informal caregivers and generates insights to design preventive PA programs aimed at maintaining their health.