Adherence to a Physical Activity Program by Older Adults in Brazil

Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity. 901 West New York Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Tel: 317-637-8431; Web site: http://www.phiepsilonkappa.org

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Qualitative Research; Physical Activities; Older Adults; Foreign Countries; Compliance (Psychology); Physical Activity Level; Interviews; Mental Health; Physical Health; Peer Relationship; Social Environment; Barriers

0031-8981

This paper discusses the results of a qualitative research project in which we investigated adherence factors to a physical activity (PA) program for older adults in Brazil named "Sem Fronteiras: Atividades Corporais Para Adultos Maduros e Idosos", which translated into English means "Without Borders: Physical Activities for Mature and Older Adults". The participants of the study were 10 older adults. The data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with open-ended questions. The coding categories emerged from the data. Initially, we analyzed the data for each of the research participants, raising and coding the main themes that emerged from their responses. Next, we did a cross-analysis of the data of all participants looking for similarities and differences between the themes. The connections between emerging themes were examined, which allowed us to identify superordinate themes. Our main finding was that the group adheres to the program not only for their physical and mental health, but also to be in the same age-range group, where they can exchange ideas, experiences, support, and affection, which in turn, tend to add new meanings and reasons to their lives. The data points at the importance of the development of PA programs specifically designed for older adults that include not only exercising and activities according to their specific limitations and needs, but also opportunities for socialization and exchanges. (Contains 2 footnotes.)

As Provided

28

2010

EJ888274