Older adults' physically-active identity: Relationships between social cognitions, physical activity and satisfaction with life

Understanding variations in exercise-identity strength through identity theory and self-determination theory

“…Our results extend previous research that has established a clear association between exercise identity and exercise behaviour by demonstrating that the strength of exercise identity is associated with more self-determined forms of motivation that might be instrumental in helping individuals self-regulate towards identity-relevant exercise behaviour (Strachan & Brawley, 2008;Strachan et al, 2010;Strachan et al, 2005). If future research provides additional support for these preliminary findings, the results could be used to inform interventions to increase exercise-identity strength.…”

Physical activity program preferences and perspectives of older adults with and without cognitive impairment

“…The “health problems/disability” theme is consistent with the literature (Cooper et al ., ; Schutzer and Graves, ; Rantakokko et al ., ). The “motivation/personality” theme relates to factors such as psychological aspects of adherence to programs, “mastery”, self‐efficacy and identity, which have mainly been investigated in the cognitively intact population (Takkinen et al ., ; Brassington et al ., ; Schutzer and Graves, ; Strachan et al ., ). Another commonly described barrier of the “environment” was consistent with previous research (Schutzer and Graves, ; Rantakokko et al ., ).…”

Social facilitation in virtual reality-enhanced exercise: competitiveness moderates exercise effort of older adults

“…Studies could explore the broader physical activity identity of older adults,44 beyond their sense of competitiveness, and its role in influencing virtual reality-enhanced exercise behavior. Alternatively, physical activity preference (eg, to be alone or with others)45 may be another way to conceptualize the competitiveness measured herein, and could add to the prediction and enhancement of exercise effort. Similarly, since self-selection (vs assignment) to exergaming has been found to influence mood, it would be useful to clarify the possible moderating role of choice in exergaming 46.…”