Promuovere l’invecchiamento attivo attraverso la comunicazione: effetti di un intervento tramite app per incentivare l’attività fisica Laura Picciafoco Catholic University of Sacro Cuore of Milan, Italy Michela Vezzoli University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy Valentina Carfora Catholic University of Sacro Cuore of Milan, Italy Patrizia Catellani Catholic University of Sacro Cuore of Milan, Italy This is a section of Accompagnare la longevità(DOI: 10.36253/979-12-215-0744-7) by Vanna Boffo, Michele Bertani, Donatella Bramanti, Rabih Chattat, Laura Formenti Firenze University Press Florence 2025 https://doi.org/10.36253/979-12-215-0744-7.52

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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.

 Active Ageing Health Older Adults Persuasive Communication Physical Activity

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