What moves you? Physical activity strategies in older women

Physical activity improves quality of life and extends independence in older adults. Yet, how to motivate older adults to engage in physical activity is unclear. In the present study, 4108 older women, aged 70-99, reported how they motivated themselves to move when they did not feel like it, and their hours of physical activity and walking each week. Findings indicated that participants who endorsed more strategies had more hours of physical activity and walking. Strategic categories that correlated with more physical activity include focusing on the benefits and utilizing the surrounding environment to help motivate movement.

Automated summary

The study found that older women who used more strategies to motivate themselves to engage in physical activity had higher levels of physical activity and walking. Focusing on the benefits and utilizing the surrounding environment were key strategies for motivating older adults to be more active.