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Abstract

Sedentary behavior increases the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and of particular concern in the elderly, a loss of muscle mass and decline in cognitive performance. Numerous risk factors are predictive of mortality rates in the elderly, including lack of moderate or vigorous exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of physical activity and exercise, participation and perceptions of traditional gyms, as well as motivators to be physically active in older males (65+ years) in Southern Ontario. The first phase involved focus group sessions with adults aged 18 years and up, representing 13 diverse groups from rural and urban communities in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Based on the responses from Phase I, a survey questionnaire was created to validate the findings of the focus group interviews. The surveys were distributed to the same community groups where the focus group data were collected. Results revealed the 18-34 and 35-64 age groups, and older males generally make the same associations with exercise or physical activity. "Better health" was chosen the most often as the number one ranked motivator by the older males (36%), with "Longevity" and "Feeling good and happier afterwards" tied for second (16% each). The older male population from Southern Ontario viewed exercise as "planned, structured, regimented, routine, and repetitive" (50%), a "stress reliever" (53%), and achieving a real sense of accomplishment and happiness post workout (54%). The top three descriptors associated with lifestyle physical activities are walking (80%), taking the stairs (65%), and gardening, raking leaves, shoveling snow and other yardwork activities (62%). In addition, the older Southern Ontario adult population are comfortable enough with the gym culture but would prefer to focus on physical activity outside the gym setting. Moreover, the older males also ranked the affective motivator, "feeling good and happier afterwards" in their top two motivators to be physically active. Family members, health and wellness experts, and the medical community must be responsible in focusing on each older person's needs to become more physically active, realizing that most older adults prefer lifestyle physical activity.