Abstract
BackgroundEvidence of the benefits of engaging in physical activity (PA) is strong, yet the number of older adults meeting the recommended 150 min/wk is low. Policy to increase uptake and adherence has focussed on the health benefits of PA, but may not be the most successful approach.ObjectiveThis qualitative study sought to ask older adults what the components of a successful intervention to promote PA would be, by asking active older adults what motivated them to be active and asking inactive older adults what might encourage them to change.Design, setting and participantsFocus groups and semi‐structured interviews were held with 60 community‐dwelling older adults, aged 50‐87 years. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data, and themes congruent with a social ecological model of behaviour change were developed.FindingsFive themes emerged that influenced PA engagement at multiple levels: individual; interpersonal; perceived environment; community or organizational; and policy. PA engagement was determined by attitude or health status for some participants, but for the majority, PA being enjoyable, sociable, affordable, accessible, flexible and seasonal were more important than the health benefits.Discussion and conclusionsA social ecological model is presented, highlighting the fact that both motivated and unmotivated older adults need to have a range of appropriately labelled, appealing and accessible activities to choose from when thinking about engaging in PA. Policymakers and practitioners need to ensure that their offers of activity sessions are easy to access and easy to remain involved in.
Highlights
IntroductionThe health benefits of physical activity (PA) are well documented with higher levels and greater frequency of PA being associated with reduced risk and improved health in a number of key areas.[1,2,3,4] Improvements in mental health, well-being and cognitive function are associated with regular PA.[5,6,7,8] Despite these health benefits, PA levels amongst older adults remain below the recommended 150 min/ wk.[1,9] International and national health policies have focused on improving health by providing PA guidance to the older population[10,11,12] and by highlighting to those working with older adults the need to incorporate increased amounts of PA into everyday life.[1,13]
International and national health policies have focused on improving health by providing physical activity (PA) guidance to the older population[10,11,12] and by highlighting to those working with older adults the need to incorporate increased amounts of PA into everyday life.[1,13]
This study has found that engagement in PA is seasonal, with activity levels increasing in the warmer months
Summary
The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are well documented with higher levels and greater frequency of PA being associated with reduced risk and improved health in a number of key areas.[1,2,3,4] Improvements in mental health, well-being and cognitive function are associated with regular PA.[5,6,7,8] Despite these health benefits, PA levels amongst older adults remain below the recommended 150 min/ wk.[1,9] International and national health policies have focused on improving health by providing PA guidance to the older population[10,11,12] and by highlighting to those working with older adults the need to incorporate increased amounts of PA into everyday life.[1,13]. Policymakers and practitioners need to ensure that their offers of activity sessions are easy to access and easy to remain involved in
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