Physical Activity: Exploring Views of Older Russian-Speaking Slavic Immigrants

Abstract

Many of the 1.3 million Russian-speaking immigrants in the US have chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. They engage in physical activity less often than other groups, and little is known about their views of physical activity. This qualitative study explored physical activity attitudes, beliefs, motivators, and barriers among older Russian-speaking immigrants. In four focus group interviews, 23 participants discussed physical activity. “Movement is life” was a theme throughout all interviews. Walking was the most frequently mentioned activity. Increased energy and decreased pain were described as health benefits. Motivators for physical activity were maintaining function, improved health, and the support of God and family. Barriers included poor health and environmental safety concerns. Participants suggested community walking groups and church-supported programs as useful methods to promote physical activity. Future research includes developing culturally appropriate interventions that utilize physical activity to prevent and manage chronic illness with ethnic minority older adults.

Cultural influences on exercise participation and fall prevention: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

“…In many studies, there was a widespread belief that exercise had beneficial effects related to physical health, well-being and independence in old age, which translated to participation in exercise [24,[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. In some, however, traditional health beliefs impeded the perceived need for exercise among older people.…”

“…Conversely, not being sick or having no health problems was an indication of no need for exercise [25,26]. For many others, however, physical health limitations and poor health served as a barrier to exercise [23][24][25][26]28,31,32,[34][35][36]. The fear of detrimental effects (e.g.…”

A randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness evaluation of ‘booster’ interventions to sustain increases in physical activity in middle-aged adults in deprived urban neighbourhoods

“…The self-confidence in their own physical ability gained from mastering a specific activity also served to motivate maintenance of physical activity among some people, and similarly confidence was given as a motivator for maintenance in the current study. Another recent study 99 exploring the views of older Slavic immigrants in the USA about physical activity found that motivators included the desire to be active and go for walks and the anticipated benefits for existing medical health issues (including pain, poor sleep and use of medication). Anticipated benefits also included greater independence as well as social support, as physical activity was seen to provide a way of engaging with other family members, especially grandchildren.…”

A Systematic Literature Review of Sport and Physical Activity Participation in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Migrant Populations

“…A belief in God and religious faith was a positive influence for some groups (e.g. Russian-speaking Slavic) [83] and an inhibitive one for others (e.g. Muslim) [69].…”