scholarly journals Older Adults' Perceptions of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sclinda L. Janssen ◽  
Jan E. Stube
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study

Perceptions of physical activity by older adults: A qualitative study

2009 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonine M Jancey ◽  
Ann Clarke ◽  
Peter Howat ◽  
Bruce Maycock ◽  
Andy H Lee
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study

“Not Ready to Throw in the Towel”: Perceptions of Physical Activity Held by Older Adults in Stockholm and Dublin

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breiffni Leavy ◽  
Anna Cristina Åberg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Cultural Background ◽  
Barriers To Exercise ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
People’S Perceptions

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the perceptions of physical activity held by older urban Swedish and Irish adults. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 30 people age 65 years and older (mean age 74.5), of whom 15 were living in Dublin and 15 were living in Stockholm. The “thematic framework” approach was used to analyze the data. Three central themes were identified regarding people’s perceptions of physical activity: physical activity as self-expression, physical activity as interaction, and physical activity as health promotion. Participants’ perceptions of physical activity tended to relate to their perceived level of physical activity, regardless of their cultural background. Certain culture-specific motivators and barriers to exercise were also identified. Less active Irish men were more likely to underestimate the health-promoting benefits of exercise.

scholarly journals 173 A Qualitative Study Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to Engagement in Physical Activity Among Older Irish and French Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Fintan Sheerin ◽  
Aileen Lynch ◽  
Sean Kilroy ◽  
Monique Epstein ◽  
Ariane Girault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Abstract Background The physical and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults have been well-documented. However, a large proportion of older adults worldwide fail to meet the internationally recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity PA per week. Factors associated with engagement in PA among older adults are complex, interacting and wide-reaching, involving individual, social, physical and environmental factors. Thus, to develop preventive lifestyle interventions it is necessary to carefully explore these factors. Methods This qualitative study (as part of a larger funded study to develop a PA-intervention) sought to identify and explore facilitators and barriers to PA in community dwelling older adults (≥65). Focus groups were conducted in Ireland (one) and France (two) and findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The main facilitators that emerged from focus group participants (n=33) were: availability of resources; tailored classes facilitated by staff knowledgeable of older adults’ needs; activities that facilitated social support and connectedness; perceived physical and psychological health benefits. Similar factors also influence continued participation in PA, as well as feelings of wellbeing and enjoyment, family support and motivation, although it was noted that it did sometimes require considerable effort. Barriers to engagement in PA included: lack of social support and resources; environmental factors, whether built, social, location or weather-related. Barriers of a more personal nature also emerged and included fear, loss of confidence due to functional changes, and lack of opportunity. Conclusion PA guidelines are but the first step. There is a need to develop implementation strategies at all levels: personal; interpersonal; organisational; community; and public policy, specifically for older adults, that will incorporate the above facilitators and address the above barriers to optimize engagement and maintenance in PA among older adults.

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