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Influences on Physical Activity Participation Among Older Adults: Perspectives of Exercise Professionals and Older Adult Exercise Participants

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  • Heather M. Hanson

    (Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3D10, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
    Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care, Alberta Health Services, 10301 Southport Lane SW, Calgary, AB T2W 1S7, Canada)

  • Alia Bharwani

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada)

  • R. Stewart Longman

    (Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
    Psychology Services, Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Health Services, 1403 29th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada)

  • Marc J. Poulin

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
    Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
    O’Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
    Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada)

Abstract

We compared perceptions of enablers, barriers, and motivators to greater physical activity by older adults in two respondent groups: individuals 55+ years of age participating in a research exercise program and exercise professionals who plan and deliver programming to older adults. We developed and administered a questionnaire on potential factors influencing physical activity participation among older adults. Questionnaire items were transformed into scales and analyzed using independent sample Mann–Whitney U tests and principal component analyses (PCA). Statistically significant differences emerged between the respondent groups. Compared to older adults, exercise professionals rated the influence of physical capabilities ( p < 0.001), social ( p < 0.001) and physical opportunities ( p < 0.001), and reflective motivations on barriers to physical activity ( p < 0.001) higher. Older adults rated reflecting on the consequences of physical inactivity ( p < 0.05) higher. Respondent groups differed in their perspectives regarding the relative influence of enablers, barriers, and motivators to physical activity participation, and these differences may inform physical activity messaging for older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather M. Hanson & Alia Bharwani & R. Stewart Longman & Marc J. Poulin, 2025. "Influences on Physical Activity Participation Among Older Adults: Perspectives of Exercise Professionals and Older Adult Exercise Participants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:371-:d:1604647
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hunter, Ruth F. & Christian, Hayley & Veitch, Jenny & Astell-Burt, Thomas & Hipp, J.Aaron & Schipperijn, Jasper, 2015. "The impact of interventions to promote physical activity in urban green space: A systematic review and recommendations for future research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 246-256.
    2. Devereux-Fitzgerald, Angela & Powell, Rachael & Dewhurst, Anne & French, David P., 2016. "The acceptability of physical activity interventions to older adults: A systematic review and meta-synthesis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 14-23.
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