Motivators for physical activity among ambulatory nursing home older residents.

Yuh-Min Chen,Yueh-Ping Li

doi:10.1155/2014/329397

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore self-identified motivators for regular physical activity among ambulatory nursing home older residents. A qualitative exploratory design was adopted. Purposive sampling was performed to recruit 18 older residents from two nursing homes in Taiwan. The interview transcripts were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Five motivators of physical activity emerged from the result of analysis: eagerness for returning home, fear of becoming totally dependent, improving mood state, filling empty time, and previously cultivated habit. Research on physical activity from the perspectives of nursing home older residents has been limited. An empirically grounded understanding from this study could provide clues for promoting and supporting lifelong engagement in physical activity among older residents. The motivators reported in this study should be considered when designing physical activity programs. These motivators can be used to encourage, guide, and provide feedback to support older residents in maintaining physical activity.

Highlights

Age-related changes result in decreasing physiological reserve which leads to vulnerability to diseases and functional impairments
Physical activity offers an excellent way for mobility-impaired older adults to prevent further disabilities and improve their overall health [5, 6]
The interview began by asking the participant to talk about what motivates them to engage in regular physical activity

Summary

Introduction

Age-related changes result in decreasing physiological reserve which leads to vulnerability to diseases and functional impairments. Remaining active throughout later life can have a positive effect on the aging process. Regular physical activity enhances physiological stability as well as functional ability and minimizes the debilitating effects of disuse [1,2,3,4]. Physical activity offers an excellent way for mobility-impaired older adults to prevent further disabilities and improve their overall health [5, 6]. Sedentary living is a main health risk for older adults. Low levels of physical activity lead to deconditioning and are associated with increasing risks of morbidity and mortality [7,8,9]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion