The purpose of this study was to explore self-identified motivators for regular physical activity among ambulatory nursing home older residents. A qualitative exploratory design was adopted. Purposive sampling was performed to recruit 18 older residents from two nursing homes in Taiwan. The interview transcripts were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Five motivators of physical activity emerged from the result of analysis: eagerness for returning home, fear of becoming totally dependent, improving mood state, filling empty time, and previously cultivated habit. Research on physical activity from the perspectives of nursing home older residents has been limited. An empirically grounded understanding from this study could provide clues for promoting and supporting lifelong engagement in physical activity among older residents. The motivators reported in this study should be considered when designing physical activity programs. These motivators can be used to encourage, guide, and provide feedback to support older residents in maintaining physical activity.

Through a clearer understanding of gender-specific predictors, healthcare providers can implement gender-sensitive PA-enhancing interventions to assist older residents in performing sufficient PA.

The purpose of this study was to apply self-efficacy theory to explore predictors of regular exercise among older residents of long-term care institutions. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from 151 older adults residing in three residential care homes in Taiwan. Data collection instruments included a background data sheet, Self Efficacy for Exercise Scale, Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale and self-reported regular exercise. Results indicated that older residents who exercised regularly had fewer chronic diseases, better perceived health status and functional status, and higher self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations related to exercise. Older residents with a regular exercise habit prior to institutionalization were more likely to engage in regular exercise. Logistic regression analysis indicated past exercise participation and self-efficacy expectations to be significant positive predictors of regular exercise. To promote regular exercise within this population, these can be potential target areas for interventions. These factors should be targeted in the development and implementation of interventions to promote regular exercise among older residents of long-term care institutions.