PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN OLD-AGE - AN 8-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY ON INVOLVEMENT, MOTIVES, AND OBSTACLES AMONG PERSONS AGE 65-84

This study examined changes in involvement in physical exercise and th e motives for and obstacles to participation over an 8-year period in a representative sample of senior residents of Jyvaskyla, Finland. The participants were noninstitutionalized seniors age 65-84 years at bas eline in 1988. The most common form of physical exercise was walking f or fitness. In men, participation in supervised exercise classes and p erforming calisthenic exercises at home increased over the follow-up. In women, physical exercise generally declined. The most important rea son quoted for nonparticipation at both baseline and follow-up was poo r health (65-88%). Among those who reported participation in supervise d physical exercise, the most important motives were health promotion (80%) and social reasons (40-50%). The main obstacles were poor health (19-38%) and lack of interest (28-26%). It is an important challenge to remove obstacles to participation in physical activity in old age a nd to give older people every opportunity to get involved.