Promotion of physical activity among older adults

Abstract Background and Objectives The overall purpose of this article was to investigate beliefs related to physical activity maintenance among adults aged 60 years or older. Research Design and Methods Study 1 identified modal, salient behavioral, normative, and control beliefs using a free-response format. Study 2 was designed to gain a deeper understanding about these beliefs through in-depth semistructured interviews. Results Findings indicate that perceived physical and emotional benefits, scheduling and having a physical activity routine, social support, and features of indoor and outdoor locations are facilitating of maintenance. Some beliefs appear more relevant to sustained engagement in physical activity, while others may be more helpful for reengagement after 1 week of inactivity. Discussion and Implications This investigation raises new hypotheses for future research and provides insight for the use and adaptation of behavior change strategies that are potentially more acceptable and effective for the promotion of physical activity maintenance for older adults.

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Healthcare Professionals Promotion of Physical Activity with Older Adults: A Survey of Knowledge and Routine Practice

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116064 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6064

Author(s):

Conor Cunningham ◽

Roger O’Sullivan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Routine Practice ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Promotion Of Physical Activity

Healthcare professionals have a key role in promoting physical activity, particularly among populations at greatest risk of poor health due to physical inactivity. This research aimed to develop our understanding of healthcare professionals knowledge, decision making and routine practice of physical activity promotion with older adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with practicing healthcare professionals in general practice, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing in Ireland and Northern Ireland. We received 347 eligible responses, with 70.3% of all respondents agreeing that discussing physical activity is their job and 30.0% agreeing that they have received suitable training to initiate conversations with patients about physical activity. Awareness of the content and objectives of national guidelines for physical activity varied considerably across the health professions surveyed. Less than a third of respondents had a clear plan on how to initiate discussions about physical activity in routine practice with older adults. Assessment of physical activity was not routine, neither was signposting to physical activity supports. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications, 81.6% of all respondents agreed that healthcare professionals can play an increased role in promoting physical activity to older adults as part of routine practice. Appropriate education, training and access to resources are essential for supporting healthcare professionals promotion of physical activity in routine practice. Effective physical activity promotion in healthcare settings has the potential for health benefits at a population level, particularly in older adult populations.

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The Effect of Season on Physical Activity Among Older Adults in King County, Washington

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.3.3.304 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 304-313

Author(s):

Allen Cheadle

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Seasonal Pattern ◽

Population Based ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance ◽

Promotion Of Physical Activity ◽

Walking Programs ◽

General Physical ◽

The Impact

Background:Effective promotion of physical activity among older adults, and the evaluation of those efforts, requires a better understanding of the impact of seasonal patterns on physical activity.Methods:This article used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a population-based telephone survey, to examine the association between levels of physical activity among older adults and season of the year, temperature, and rainfall.Results:A statistically significant seasonal pattern was identified for general physical activity; for example, recommended physical activity was 62% higher in relative terms in June than in December (63% active versus 39%). However, no significant association was found between season and walking, and rainfall and temperature did not appear to influence the level of activity over and above the effect of season.Conclusions:Evaluations of walking programs for seniors may not need to make adjustments for seasonality when measuring impact using pre/post surveys.

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