Perceptions, Opinions, Beliefs, and Attitudes About Physical Activity and Exercise in Urban-Community-Residing Older Adults

Abstract

Background: This research study illustrates the perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes of older adults residing in an urban community as major factors to understanding barriers and motivators in older African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians adults within Washington, DC. Methods: Eight focus group sessions conducted with 58 older adults to determine their understanding of physical activity and exercise, as well as of barriers to, motivators for, and benefits of physical activity and exercise. Results: The results showed that dance was the preferred physical activity and exercise, fixed or limited income were the main barriers, and prolonged life, more energy, and a stronger body were the main benefits. Conclusion: The results will assist in recommendations to policy makers on programs for older adults that will increase physical activity and exercise for local citizens. These interventions are more likely to increase older adults’ ability to remain in their communities and improve their overall health and well-being.

The Importance of Community and Patient Involvement in the Design of Physical Activity Programs

“…In a fascinating article, Harrison and colleagues examined the perceptions, beliefs, and opinions of older adults about physical activity and exercise. 1 We agree that qualitative assessment by potential users is crucial in the development and evaluation of any physical activity program. Our experience of engaging with members of Action on Preeclampsia (APEC) and our local King’s College London Preeclampsia PPI (patient and public involvement) group in planning a trial of a postnatal physical activity program demonstrate the issues raised by Harrison and colleagues regarding barriers and motivators for physical activity.…”

“…We used a free mobile health app to encourage brisk walking in postnatal women, focusing on those who have had a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Like the 71% of Harrison's participants with hypertension, 1 these women are at increased long-term risk of future hypertension and cardiovascular death, 2 but increasing physical activity with an app should reduce these risks. 3 We systematically went through several stages to explore the functionality and usability of the mobile health app, discussing our proposal with members of APEC, then asking members of our Preeclampsia PPI group to try the app, and finally conducting a service evaluation pilot in ethnically diverse postnatal women at 2 inner city general practices.…”

“…We used a free mobile health app to encourage brisk walking in postnatal women, focusing on those who have had a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Like the 71% of Harrison’s participants with hypertension, 1 these women are at increased long-term risk of future hypertension and cardiovascular death, 2 but increasing physical activity with an app should reduce these risks. 3 …”

“…We agree with Harrison and colleagues that involving patients and service users is absolutely critical to the success of any physical activity program and can help guide policy. 1 Furthermore, we must ensure that researchers follow established protocols for the evaluation of mobile health apps 4 and other physical activity interventions.…”

Understanding influences on physical activity participation by older adults: A qualitative study of community-dwelling older adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, UK

“…This highlights the value of adopting participant-led approaches when designing interventions, emphasising the need to include older adults through user-led approaches, and be aware that a “one size fits all” approach would not be appropriate. Those who are likely to use such programmes are best placed to be able to provide insights into factors that are important to their age group [ 42 , 43 ]. Co-production of interventions promotes a sense of ownership.…”