Older Adults’ Physical Activity: The Integration of Autonomous Motivation and Theory of Planned Behaviour Constructs

Abstract

Objective

To examine the motivational processes underpinning Australian older adults’ physical activity.

Method

Adults aged 65 years and over (N = 213) completed a questionnaire assessing autonomous motivation and theory of planned behaviour variables (attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control), and a 2‐week follow‐up of their self‐reported physical activity (n = 165).

Results

In a structural equation model, effects of autonomous motivation on intention were mediated by attitudes and perceived behavioural control, but not subjective norm. The model explained 60% and 46% of the variance in intention and physical activity, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings add to current knowledge of motivational processes underpinning physical activity in older adults. Current results indicate that interventions where the value of regular physical activity can be internalised by offering activities that foster feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness may be important to consider in increasing physical activity levels of older adults, a group at risk of sedentary behaviours.

Key words:

• motivation
• older adults
• physical activity
• self‐determination theory
• theory of planned behaviour

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship, Griffith University [blinded for review] University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship awarded to the first author. The authors would like to acknowledge the help of service providers in recruiting participants as well as the contribution of older adults to this research. The work of all authors focuses on the application of social‐cognition models to understanding health‐related behaviours.

Additional information

Funding

Griffith University Postgraduate REsearch Scholarship