Self-Reported Barriers of Middle-Aged and Older Adults Entering a Home-Based Physical Activity Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess barriers experienced by mid-older adults upon entering a homebased, telephone-delivered physical activity (PA) program and examine differences in barriers for subgroups. Methods: Three hundred eighty four participants recruited from Tennessee, California, and Illinois for the Active Choices program, which was part of Active for Life®, completed one face-to-face counseling session and received follow-up telephone counseling. Barriers were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for subgroups of mid-older adults. Results: Personal, social, and environmental themes emerged as barriers. Lack of motivation was most salient for men while health barriers were more prominent for women; however, no significant differences were found between men and women. Both whites and African Americans reported lack of motivation as the most frequent barrier to PA. Health and weather barriers were more prominent for the oldest group of older adults. Few differences were reported by PA or weight status. Conclusions: In a large sample of mid-older adults varying in age, race, gender, and health status, multiple barriers to PA were reported. Differences across subgroups may have implications for future PA interventions.

Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity and Sport across Social Backgrounds: Implications for Health Promotion

“…The majority of studies were cross-sectional and included quantitative and qualitative studies (e.g., survey and interview studies). Three studies were intervention studies [ 33 , 34 , 35 ] ( Supplementary Table S1 ).…”

“…Well-being (e.g., pleasure) derived from the activity was also mentioned [ 49 , 51 , 52 ], and one study showed that enjoyment not only facilitated physical activity initiation but also maintenance [ 48 ]. Several studies highlighted the expected health benefits as an important motivation for the elderly [ 33 , 36 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Some studies showed that a past history as an active person was a contributing factor to be physically active as an elderly person [ 50 ].…”

“…Concerning barriers to physical activity, some studies showed that health-related restrictions, such as having illness or an injury, being afraid of falling (especially in sports-related activities), as well as fatigue and lack of energy were essential barriers for the elderly [ 33 , 36 , 49 , 57 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

Physical activity motives, barriers, and preferences in people with obesity: A systematic review

“…Table 2 describes studies and participants' characteristics. Briefly, 14 quantitative studies (51.9%) [55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68], 10 qualitative studies (37.0%) [69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78], and 3 mixed studies (11.1%) [79][80][81] were included. Among quantitative studies, 11 studies were observational [55][56][57][58][59][63][64][65][66][67][68], and 3 were interventional studies [60][61][62].…”

Older adults’ evaluations of the standard and modified pedometer-based Green Prescription

“…Perceived social support through telephone counselling is a strong factor in encouraging older adults to adhere to physical activity. 18,21 The advice, support and encouragement that individuals receive from their patient support counsellor via telephone counselling has previously been shown to be fundamental in helping them remain active and focused on completing their GRx. 22,23 Telephone counselling can act as an external motive for physical activity, 19 as well as a reminder or prompt to be physically active.…”