Table 2 Overview of intervention content to be delivered in each of three education sessions

Session 1: Introduction to PA

Examples of physical activity (PA):

 Ask group for examples and types of PA they do, to stimulate conversation and engage.

 Elaborate on ideas suggested by participants. Provide information on benefits of walking, green gyms, gardening, dancing, cycling and housework.

PA recommendations:

 Ask group if they are aware of any recommended PA guidelines.

 Discuss guidelines; give suggestions to help achieve them (e.g., brisk walking, carry shopping).

 Emphasise importance of improvements being individual to the person.

Health and other benefits of PA:

 Ask group if they know of any health or other benefits of PA not already discussed.

 Elaborate on ideas suggested by participants. Ensure discussion of examples, including improving balance, reducing stress, lessening chronic disease, building friendships, helping environment, being a role model.

Safety:

 Discuss importance of doing activities the participant feels confident in, right equipment and safety.

Opportunity to ask researcher questions; opportunity for group discussion.

Session 2: How to increase PA and make PA enjoyable

Progress review:

 Ask group if they have engaged in any PA during past week, their barriers to doing PA and how they overcame these. Allow opportunity for group discussion.

Specify ways to get active:

 Suggest easy ways to increase PA (e.g., get off at earlier bus stop, use stairs instead of lift).

How to make PA more enjoyable:

Provide suggestions (e.g., set targets, go on family day trips, walk with a friend).

Information on local area:

 Discuss information provided in information packs. Remind of importance of safety.

Opportunity to ask researcher questions; opportunity for group discussion.

Session 3: The importance of social support and how to maintain PA in the long term

Progress review:

 Ask group if they have engaged in any PA during the past week, any barriers to engaging in PA, how they overcame these. Allow opportunity for group discussion.

Social support:

 Discuss how social support helps PA. Suggest work towards goals together, try new activities.

 Encourage participants to identify a group member, friend or spouse for mutual support for PA.

Maintenance of PA:

 Stress importance of PA for the long term. Provide suggestions (e.g., make it part of their routine, do things they enjoy, do short sessions regularly). Remind of importance of safety.

Follow-up:

 Researcher states that they will be back in 3 weeks to conduct follow-up assessments. Offer all a weekly phone call to provide encouragement and problem solving during the 3 weeks.

Opportunity to ask researcher questions; opportunity for group discussion.