Lifestyles of Highly Active Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study Based on the Socio-Ecological Model

The purpose of this study was to explore the motivation of highly physically active older adults based on the socio-ecological model, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were aged 65 or older, engaged in at least 150 minutes of self-identified moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) per week, and did not report any significant chronic conditions or cognitive impairment that would limit a participant's engagement in PA. Data were collected from January to March 2020 using in-person, one-on-one interviews (N = 19). The follow-up data were collected by e-mail in January 2021. Participants were asked via e-mail questions regarding changes in PA since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual traits are the primary motivational factors for PA. Highly physically active older adults had access to and utilized resources for PA and had social circles with other physically active older adults. While the COVID-19 pandemic had affected PA, overall participants tried to maintain their PA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)