Purpose: Evidence suggests that strength and balance exercise is the single most effective way to reduce fall risk. However, the majority of older adults do not participate in such programs. Older adults critique existing fall prevention efforts as lacking personal relevance. Thus, there is an interest in designing health promotion messages that can more effectively reach older adults. One increasingly popular approach is to involve older adults in message creation known as participatory design. Design and Methods: Thirty-six interviews were conducted with adults aged 65 and older. Participants were asked to plan a message for other community dwelling older adults to “show why doing strength and balance exercise at their age is a good decision.” Messages were quantitatively and qualitatively content analyzed for consequences of action/inaction, people featured in the message, activities people performed in the message, and setting of the message. Results: The most frequently depicted consequences were positive consequences of strength and balance exercise, specifically remaining active and maintaining independence. The most frequently mentioned people were older adults in good physical health, followed by older adults with varying body types and physical abilities. Type of activity performed and location of activity were equally endorsed. Older adults recommended individual (e.g., gardening, walking one’s dog) and group activities (e.g., group exercise class). Suggested settings included senior citizen centers (senior-affiliated locations) and the outdoors (non-senior affiliated locations). Implications: Findings on involving older adults in developing pro-strength and balance messages will help guide message and intervention development for community-dwelling older adults.
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