Participation in Physical Activity: Influences Reported by Seniors in the Community and in Long-Term Care Facilities

Abstract

This qualitative study identified influences on participation in physical activity among seniors living in the community and in long-term care facilities. A total of 24 seniors participated in individual face-to-face interviews. Through thematic analysis, the overarching theme identified that past experiences, life transitions, and future concerns influence seniors' participation in physical activity. This overarching theme helps explain the complexity of physical activity participation in later life. The subthemes included intergenerational influences, establishment of early physical activity patterns, family transitions over the life course, changing health status over the life course, and future health concerns. A greater understanding of an individual's life history is paramount for nurses to help increase participation in physical activity among seniors.

Protective and Risk Factors for Physical Activity and Falls Among Oldest-Old Adults Enrolled in an Evidence-Based Fall Risk Reduction Program

“…Second, our finding that protective and risk factors were significantly associated with weekly physical activity and number of falls is consistent with previous studies (Weeks et al, 2008;Whitehead & Lavelle, 2009;Wilcox et al, 2003). This finding confirms the importance of health status and reducing health indicators associated with falls in this population.…”

“…included health and physical impairment (Belza et al, 2004;Forkan et al, 2006;Vaughn, 2009;Weeks et al, 2008;Whitehead & Lavelle, 2009), pain (Conn, Libbus, Thompson, & Kelley, 1994;Vaughn, 2009;Wilcox, Bopp, Oberrecht, Kammermann, & McElmurray, 2003), and being too tired (Conn, TrippReimer, & Maas, 2003;Heesch, Brown, & Blanton, 2000;O'Neill & Reid, 1991;Vaughn, 2009;Wilcox et al, 2003); whereas psychological benefits serving as motivators for physical activity included self-efficacy (Damush, Perkins, Mikesky, Roberts, & O'Dea, 2005;Dye & Wilcox, 2006;Resnick, Orwig, D'Adamo et al, 2007Wilcox et al, 2003) and better health status (Belza et al, 2004;Hardy & Grogan, 2009;Raviv & Netz, 2007;Vaughn, 2009;Whitehead & Lavelle, 2009). In addition to physical inactivity, falls are also associated with demographic factors such as age, sex, and chronic disease.…”

Predictors of attendance to group exercise: a cohort study of older adults in long-term care facilities

“…Health limitations and impairments including co-morbidities/chronic conditions are amongst the most common reasons influencing attendance to exercise [ 6 , 10 , 12 ]. The original study team devised a pre-determined, a priori list of common medical conditions informed using existing co-morbidity scales (cancer, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis, chronic lung disease, urinary incontinence) [ 21 ].…”

“…Additionally, only two of the studies were based in LTC (USA and Canada). However, from these two studies, the main barriers to physical activity were health or physical impairments [ 10 ]. Motivators often included physical/health benefits, having less pain, previous physical activity experiences and the social component and support of participating in physical activity [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Effects of Physical Exercises and Verbal Stimulation on the Functional Efficiency and Use of Free Time in an Older Population under Institutional Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…According to Prat and Scheicher [55], the loss of functional independence is one of the main problems of older people, while independence increases their satisfaction and improves their quality of life. Weeks et al [56] stated that preventing the expansion of functional limitations is a key factor motivating older people to participate in physical exercise. An additional element affecting the functioning of older people in nursing homes is the ensemble nature of the institution.…”