Older Women and Beliefs About Exercise Risk:

Abstract

Preliminary research suggests that some active older women perceive that the personal benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic and lifestyle explanations for variations In older women's risk perceptions for six fitness activities. A convenience sample of 43 women aged 52 to 73 responded to a survey questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis controlling for age, hearth, and education indicated that those women who were-mothers held lower levels of perceived risk for late life exercise than women who had never experienced the motherhood role. The motherhood variable, along with current activity level, accounted for some 40% of the variance In risk perceptions, an unexpected finding which will require future confirmation. Several possible explanations for this result are presented.