Promuovere l’invecchiamento attivo attraverso la comunicazione: effetti di un intervento tramite app per incentivare l’attività fisica

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.