The influence of life events on physical activity patterns of Dutch older adults: A life history method

Abstract

Objective: Physical activity (PA) can improve well-being and health during older age. This study explored how life events influence PA patterns of older adults.

Design: Seventeen interviews with older adults were conducted using a life history method. PA patterns during the life course were identified, including information on when, how and why changes in PA occurred.

Results: Four different response patterns that affect PA patterns after life events (e.g. death of partner) were discerned as follows: ‘I want to be physically active, but there are too many barriers’, ‘I have reached a point in my life where I do not have to be so active any more’, ‘I need to exercise now if I want to live the life I want’ and ‘I have always been active and cannot do without PA’. Which response pattern an older adult held was strongly related to PA development during earlier life (physical capital), and present and future self-conceptions.

Conclusions: When developing interventions to enhance PA in older age, it is important to take into account the diversity of views on PA, based on physical capital and current and future self-conceptions. The life history method appeared valuable, providing a thorough understanding of changes in PA patterns.

Keywords:

• life events
• older adults
• exercise
• physical activity
• life history method
• qualitative

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank all participants of the study. Furthermore, we are greatly indebted to two anonymous reviewers who provided valuable suggestions for the improvement of a previous version of the manuscript. This research was funded by ZonMw, the Netherlands Organizations of Health Research and Development (204000015).