Older persons’ experiences of a home-based exercise program with behavioral change support

ABSTRACT

Background: It is a challenge to promote exercise among older persons. Knowledge is needed regarding the maintenance of exercise aiming at preventing falls and promoting health and well-being in older persons. Purpose: This descriptive study used a qualitative inductive approach to describe older persons’ experiences of a fall-preventive, home-based exercise program with support for behavioral change. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 elderly persons aged 75 years or older, and a qualitative content analysis was performed. Results: Four categories emerged: facilitators of performing exercise in everyday life, the importance of support, perceived gains from exercise, and the existential aspects of exercise. Conclusion: With support from physiotherapists (PTs), home-based exercise can be adapted to individual circumstances in a meaningful way. Including exercises in everyday life and daily routines could support the experience of being stronger, result in better physical functioning, and give hope for an extended active life in old age.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-living
• motivational interviewing
• older persons
• Otago exercise program

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.