The Right Fit: Perceptions of Lifelong Influences on the Activity Preferences of Older Women

ABSTRACT

A phenomenological approach was used to examine eight older women’s experiences with physical activity (PA) and to determine how older women name and give meaning to PA. Factors that influenced the meaning of PA generated five themes with a common long-term goal for self-sufficiency. The findings gave insight into the life experiences that influenced participants to use exercise or functional activities to improve physical functioning. Health care providers should be aware of their own beliefs for using exercise as the only intervention, and instead design therapeutic programs for the older woman based upon her preferred form of PA.

KEYWORDS:

• Functional activity
• meaningful occupations
• older women