Abstract
Although physical exercise reduces risks of disease and improves older persons’ quality of life and daily functioning, people become less active with advancing age and few exercise regularly. The aim of the study was to illuminate older persons’ experiences of regularly exercising in groups. Three focus group interviews were conducted with 18 community-dwelling people aged 80 years and over. They were asked about their experiences of exercising regularly, changes in physical functioning and health, and the value of exercising in groups. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Three main themes and five subthemes were identified. The findings showed that exercising contributed to experiences of well-being, maintenance or improvement of physical functioning. Exercising in groups resulted in companionship, satisfaction, mutual support and encouragement. Self-efficacy was expressed in the interviews. Health personnel may enhance physical exercise in older people by combining activities that promote wellbeing, maintenance or improvement of physical functioning, and social contact. Self-efficacy can be enhanced by focusing on physical progress and coping experiences and reducing risks and discomfort while exercising.
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