What moves you? Physical activity strategies in older women

Abstract

Physical activity improves quality of life and extends independence in older adults. Yet, how to motivate older adults to engage in physical activity is unclear. In the present study, 4108 older women, aged 70–99, reported how they motivated themselves to move when they did not feel like it, and their hours of physical activity and walking each week. Findings indicated that participants who endorsed more strategies had more hours of physical activity and walking. Strategic categories that correlated with more physical activity include focusing on the benefits and utilizing the surrounding environment to help motivate movement.

Active older adults goal setting outcomes for engaging in a physical activity app and the motivation characteristics of these goals (MOVEAGE-ACT)

“…When examining the meaning and application of these findings, caution must be expressed as goal setting outcomes are only part of the motivation and adherence picture of engagement and maintenance in PA. In older adults, aspects such as process, interest, competence, and social connection also are important components of motivation in PA ( Deci and Ryan, 2000 , Freund et al, 2010 , Oppezzo et al, 2021 , Patrick and Canevello, 2011 ). Future tailoring of PA interventions, including apps, may benefit from having more than one behavioral change “tool in the bag”, besides the current dominant emphasis on goal setting targets, i.e., 150 mins aerobic activity a week.…”

The characteristics of organized sport and physical activity initiatives for older adults in Sweden

“…Older adults have mainly been explored regarding individual perspectives on engaging in physical activity, for example motivation, confidence and resilience ( 15 , 16 ) as well as barriers to participating ( 10 , 17 , 18 ) and reasons for dropping-out of organized sport ( 19 ).…”