Exploring the acceptability of engaging in physical activity amongst older adults living in socioeconomically deprived areas after the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores why older adults in deprived areas are less active and how to encourage physical activity after the pandemic.

Contribution

The study identifies six themes influencing physical activity acceptability in older adults from deprived areas post-pandemic.

Findings

Participants showed increased motivation for physical activity post-pandemic.

Messaging should focus on fun and enjoyment to improve engagement.

Social environment and accessibility are key factors in physical activity acceptance.

Abstract

Older adults from lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups have lower physical activity levels compared to those from higher SES groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities in physical activity persisted, or even widened in the UK and other high-income countries. This qualitative study investigated the views of older adults residing in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation, around the acceptability of engaging in physical activity in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Semi-structured interviews with 16 older adults living in areas with high levels of socioeconomic deprivation in Manchester, UK were conducted. Most participants (n = 12) were not meeting physical activity guidelines. An inductive reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.

Six themes were identified which related to the acceptability of engaging in physical activity amongst this group: (1) The COVID-19 pandemic - a teachable moment for physical activity, (2) Physical activity - for purpose or pleasure?, (3) Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t do, (4) Opportunities to be physically active (which consisted of two sub-themes: Place and Time), (5) Importance of social environment, and (6) Physical activity messaging and perceptions.

An increased motivation to do more physical activity post-pandemic was identified amongst this population, suggesting now is a good time to act for intervention development to capitalise on this. Better messaging is needed to communicate and improve the accessibility of physical activity guidelines amongst this population. To increase engagement in leisure-time physical activity amongst this population, future interventions and messaging should emphasise fun and enjoyment.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24981-6.