The importance of exercise in the older person: motivational interviewing advice for nurses and other healthcare staff

Abstract

The importance of exercise for health and wellbeing in the older person is well documented. Physical exercise also plays a part in falls prevention, thus reducing fear of injury when exercising. Motivational interviewing should be assertive and kind, and consider the provision of appropriately trained staff members, convenient fitness facilities and cost. Facilitators and barriers affect an older person's motivation to engage in physical exercise. Barriers include cost, physical barriers, fear of injury, low motivation, dislike of exercise, locality of the service and more. Research is examined to discuss the subjects of motivational interviewing, facilitators to exercise, barriers to exercise and ways to overcome these.