Motivation for Older Adult Participation in Community-Based Physical Exercises

Abstract

About 70-80% of adults who participate in any leisure exercise can reduce their risk of dying from noncommunicable diseases and promote healthy lifestyles. This study investigates relevant services offered in a community-based program that influenced healthy behavior adoption among older adults. Using semi-structured interviews, responses were collected from 20 participants (mean age, M = 77.7, SD = 9.3), then transcribed and analyzed using Max QDA qualitative data analytic tool. Pre-assigned themes based on theory helped to understand participants' reasons to exercise. Motivation was influenced by multiple factors, grouped under three categories: attitude, belief, and enablers towards physical activity. Healthy behavior adoption was influenced by access to community resources, coordinated care, affordable care, person-focused care, and professional care. These findings are essential to program managers and policymakers working with this population, as it provides guidance in designing community-based prevention programs and policies to standardize practice.