Motivating Mature Adults to be Physically Active

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Middle-aged and older adults frequently do not meet national physical activity guidelines.
• Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating research into preventative strategies.
• Exercise interventions are being investigated for their potential to impact cognitive function and AD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing exercise adherence in older adults participating in an 8-month exercise program.
• To explore motivations for sustained physical activity among individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of open-ended participant responses regarding adherence.
• Quantitative assessment using the Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised (MPAM-R).
• Observational data collection during the exercise program.

Main Results:

• Adherence was positively associated with interest in contributing to AD research, program accessibility, perceived health benefits, and social support.
• Participants demonstrated high levels of both extrinsic (fitness) and intrinsic (enjoyment) motivation.
• Emerging themes from daily observations provided additional insights into adherence factors.

Conclusions:

• Exercise adherence in older adults is multifactorial, influenced by altruistic motives, program structure, perceived outcomes, and social connections.
• Understanding these motivational drivers is crucial for designing effective, long-term exercise interventions for aging populations.
• Exercise professionals can leverage these findings to enhance participant engagement and adherence in community and clinical settings.