Factors influencing commitment to maintaining long-term exercise in adults over the age of 50

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of older adults pursuing an exercise routine for at least a decade to gain understanding of factors influencing serious commitment to long-term exercise. In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 participants (5 women and 21 men, aged 50–78 years). Results identified two types of older exercisers: lifelong maintainers and restarters. Lifelong maintainers showed five themes: practice systematically a core sport, strong history of formal sport participation in youth, maintained involvement despite life transitions and barriers, motivated by optimizing sport skills in a core sport, and personal growth. Restarters had five themes: practice various fitness/sport activities, history of high participation in informal sport in youth, restarted regular exercise after a break owing to life challenges, motivated by fears about health deterioration, and improving wellbeing. Results provide critical knowledge to inform fitness and health practitioners seeking to increase adherence to exercise in older adults.