Abstract
Background Although physical activity (PA) is a noninvasive and cost-effective method of improving the quality of health, global statistics show that only a few middle-aged and older adults engage in the recommended PAs. This is due to a lack of motivation and companionship. Objective This study analyses the attitudes and self-determined motivation of Chinese middle-aged and older adults for PAs and their eagerness to participate in PAs such as sports, exercise, and recreational and cultural activities (RCAs), from attitudinal, eagerness, and motivational objectives of PAs perspective. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on 840 middle-aged (35–54 years) and older adults (55+ years). To determine their attitude, eagerness, and self-determined motivation for PA, we used attitudinal, Eagerness for Physical Activity Scale (EPAS), and Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS). The data were analyzed with SPSS 23.0. Results The results show that 39.1% of the participants were not satisfied with PAs. Compared with females, males reported a less positive attitude towards PAs. Moreover, a positive attitude decreases with age. Participants' motivation and eagerness in activities such as RCAs, exercise, and sports are decreasing. Regarding self-determined motivation, there are gender differences in RCAs, but there is none for exercise and sports participation. Conclusion The findings show the importance of RCAs and the support of family and friends enhancing the eagerness, attitude, and motivation to participate in PAs. Furthermore, the findings can help to create more effective PA programs for middle-aged and older adults. By engaging in RCAs, participants can reap the benefits of PAs. Participating in RCAs can lead to social equity in health.
Highlights
13% of adults are obese, and 39% are overweight; these numbers are expected to increase in the coming years [1]
By considering the points mentioned above, this study investigates the level of physical activity (PA) in middle-aged and older adults in China. e objectives of this study are three-fold. e first is how the enjoyment of and assess to PAs affect the attitude of middle-aged and older adults towards PAs. e second is the participants’ self-determined motivation and their eagerness to participate in different types of PAs, such as sports, exercise, and recreational and cultural activities (RCAs). e last objective is how participating in RCAs is correlated with sports and exercises, and how these three groups affect participants’ motivation for PAs
According to Mackenzie and Podsakoff [33], when data are gathered from only one source at the same time, the issue of common method bias may impact the validity of the study
Summary
13% of adults are obese, and 39% are overweight; these numbers are expected to increase in the coming years [1]. Physical activity (PA) is a noninvasive and cost-effective method of improving the quality of health, global statistics show that only a few middle-aged and older adults engage in the recommended PAs. is is due to a lack of motivation and companionship. Is study analyses the attitudes and self-determined motivation of Chinese middle-aged and older adults for PAs and their eagerness to participate in PAs such as sports, exercise, and recreational and cultural activities (RCAs), from attitudinal, eagerness, and motivational objectives of PAs perspective. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 840 middle-aged (35–54 years) and older adults (55+ years) To determine their attitude, eagerness, and self-determined motivation for PA, we used attitudinal, Eagerness for Physical Activity Scale (EPAS), and Situational Motivational Scale (SIMS).
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