Framework for the future EUNAAPA Network

Introduction

The EUropean Network for Action on Ageing and Physical Activity (EUNAAPA) was founded in March 2005. In order to give the network a strong base, a project application was made with the EC. The EUNAAPA project started in August 2006. One of the strategic objectives of this project was to establish a self-sustaining network to facilitate the promotion of evidence based physical activity among older people in Europe. In order to reach this objective one of the seven work packages was devoted to securing the existence of EUNAAPA after the end of the project in August 2008.

Methods

Three steps were taken to establish a framework for the future EUNAAPA network (see also figure 1):

1. Preperation:
   1. selection of relevant topics to include in the framework
   2. identification of relevant actors
2. Data collection & analysis
   1. Surveys, interviews and inventory of topics with actors
   2. Synthesizing outcomes
3. Finalisation
   1. Drawing up a proposal for the framework based on outcomes synthesis
   2. Feedback from members of the EUNAAPA project
   3. Final framework for the future of the EUNAAPA network

Results

In the preparation step the following topics were identified: organization, membership, funding, communication, target groups and output. The following actors were identified and contacted for an interview or with a questionnaire:

  Table 1: number of participating actors (nummer of contacted actors)

Actor group	Questionnaire	Interviews	Web analyses
Current SC members	X N=4 (5)	X N=5 (5)
Project members	X N=22 (50)
Possible members	X N=56(160-200)
Similar networks		X N=3 (4)	X N=4 (4)
EC/PHEA		X N=1 (1)

Next the results of this process of data collection (for more details see the report) were then summarized and synthesized into one draft framework. This was put forward for discussion by the EUNAAPA project members at the members meeting in Verona. After discussion the framework was finalized and published in a report.

Conclusion

The first objective of this seventh work package (WP7) of the EUNAAPA project was to establish a mechanism/framework to secure the existence of the EUNAAPA. In several steps a framework was developed and approved by the members of the EUNAAPA project. This process has resulted in a concise framework which clarifies the different roles of its members and relates to the goals and objective the Network has set itself. In order to make a smooth transition form project to network the good things from the past (being informal, have active members, free membership) have been maintained and necessary steps for the future have been added (formal election of Steering Committee, clarification about funding, focusing on relevant target groups).

Since there are several other networks in the field of physical activity and ageing it was necessary to clearly determine what differentiates EUNAAPA from them. According to the steering committee and the analysis of and interviews with the other networks this unique value of the EUNAAPA Network lies in:

• being an Action oriented network
• being an intersectorial group which also incorporates explicitly policymakers as a target group
• focussing on implementation but maintaining a scientific approach

With (some of the) other networks it shares an informal and interdisciplinary quality. All of these qualities together make EUNAAPA a unique network. Nonetheless, effort should be put into communication with other networks in order to achieve a strong European coalition of Networks to improve the quality of life for older adults through improving physical activity throughout Europe.