“It’s not time for us to sit down yet”: how group exercise programs can motivate physical activity and overcome barriers in inactive older adults

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Physical activity and exercise are critical for older adults’ physical and mental health. The purpose of this qualitative study was to richly capture the motivators of and barriers to engaging in physical activity in previously inactive older adults who participated in a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of eight-week group exercise interventions.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative content analysis of individual interviews with fifteen participants—five from each study arm: strength training, walking, and inactive control. Participants included nine females and six males ranging from 60 to 86 years of age.

Results

Key motivators of physical activity included perceived improvements in physical and mental health, positive social influences, observed health deterioration in others, and the desire to spend time with and take care of family members. Barriers to physical activity included existing health conditions, fear of getting hurt, negative social influences, perceived lack of time and motivation, inconvenient times and locations, and monetary cost.

Conclusions

Our findings add to the body of literature identifying factors that motivate and stand in the way of older adults’ engagement in physical activity. These factors influence older adults’ self-efficacy and should be incorporated into the design of new and existing programs to encourage initiation and maintenance of physical activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Older adult
• physical activity
• interview
• qualitative research
• group exercise programs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (LR) upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Lisa A. Royse

Lisa A. Royse, PhD: Dr. Royse is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. She leads qualitative research and patient engagement in research efforts that support and enable improved health outcomes and health care experiences.

Breanne S. Baker

Breanne S. Baker, PhD: Dr. Baker is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation at Oklahoma State University. She directs the MAAX Lab where she conducts research on the effects of exercise on muscle and bone health in aging adults.

Melissa D. Warne-Griggs

Melissa D. Warne-Griggs, PhD: Dr. Warne-Griggs is the Associate Director of Knowledge Management for Missouri Telehealth Network at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. She leads the evaluation team to systematically collect and analyze information to continuously improve the Missouri Telehealth Network programs.

Kristin Miller

Kristin Miller, MS: Kristin is the Interim Assistant Director for Health and Human Sciences and Assistant Extension Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri. She is a leader of the University of Missouri Extension Stay Strong, Stay Healthy resistance training program for older adults.

Kelsey J. Weitzel

Kelsey J. Weitzel, MS: Kelsey is an Assistant Extension Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri. She is a leader of the University of Missouri Extension Stay Strong, Stay Healthy resistance training program for older adults.

Stephen D. Ball

Stephen D. Ball, PhD: Dr. Ball is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri. He leads the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy resistance training program for older adults.

Dana L. Duren

Dana L. Duren, PhD: Dr. Duren is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. She directs the Skeletal Morphology Laboratory focusing on bone and joint health over the lifespan, including assessing skeletal maturation, bone morphology, and fracture risk.