The Theoretical Basis for Engagement in Physical Activity Among Older Adults
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Theories have been used increasingly over the past few decades to help understand, explain, and promote physical activity of older adults. We organize and present examples of theories in overlapping categories of belief–attitude (e.g., Theory of Planned Behavior); competence (e.g., Self-Efficacy Theory); control (e.g., Self-Determination Theory); stage based (e.g., Transtheoretical Model); and ecological (e.g., Social Ecological Model) and summarize the literature applying the theories to older adult physical activity. These theories provide guidance on intervention development, underlying mechanisms of change, and explain when an intervention is or is not effective. When making decisions about which theory to choose, we recommend defining the behavior as specifically as possible (e.g., walking, endurance activities, balance exercise, and preventing falls), establishing the population in question (e.g., gender, ethnicity/race, rural/urban, age, socioeconomic status, and acculturation status), the setting (e.g., free-living, senior center, nursing home, and senior living complex), and the intervention channels available (e.g., telephone, print, technology–web based, face-to-face, and group based). Choosing a theory carefully and appropriately will inevitably lead to an increased chance of understanding and success.
Date Issued
2016
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Journal
Annual review of gerontology and geriatrics
Publisher
Springer
ISSN
0198-8794
Access(Rights)
metadata.only