Older Adults’ Views and Attitudes on Physical Activity; Reasons to Participate and Abstain

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Despite numerous established benefits of exercise, many older adults do not get enough. The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to physical activity/exercise; gain greater understanding of older adults’ physical activity self-efficacy; and increase understanding of how to reduce sedentary behavior.Design: Cross-sectional descriptiveMethods: Quantitative with convenience sample of 66 older adultsFindings: Nearly one third of participants reported engaging in regular physical activity. They tended to have rather strong physical activity self-efficacy and limited barriers to being active.Conclusions: The sample had limited involvement in physical activity or exercise, despite feeling confident in their ability to be active. There could be additional barriers or motivating factors that are preventing them from being more active.Clinical Evidence: Honest and directed conversation about older adults’ understanding and attitudes towards exercise, paired with an individualized plan tailored to their interests and lifestyle could help increase physical activity/exercise.

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a UNC Charlotte Faculty Research Grant