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

## TL;DR

This study compares how older adults and exercise professionals view factors that help or hinder physical activity in older people.

## Contribution

The study reveals differences in perceptions between older adults and professionals regarding physical activity motivators and barriers.

## Key findings

- Exercise professionals rated physical capabilities, social, and physical opportunities as more influential barriers than older adults.
- Older adults placed higher importance on reflecting on the consequences of physical inactivity.
- Differences in perspectives may guide more effective physical activity messaging for older adults.

## 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.