Details:

Alternative Title:
Prev Chronic Dis
Personal Author:
Belza, Basia ; Chiang, Kuan-Chun ; Seman, Leslie ; Hsin-Chun Tsai, Jenny
Belza, Basia ; Chiang, Kuan-Chun ; Seman, Leslie ; Hsin-Chun Tsai, Jenny Less -
Description:
Introduction

Enhance Fitness (EF) (formerly the Lifetime Fitness Program) is an evidence-based community exercise program for older adults. From 1998 to 2005, participation of ethnic older adults increased significantly. However, little research is available about what ethnic older adults want or need to continue participation in exercise programs. The purpose of this study was to examine how physical environment, social environment, and individual biology and behavior influence adherence to exercise for ethnic older adults participating in EF.

Methods

Six focus groups were conducted with 52 older adults participating in EF. Facilitators asked questions about factors that helped participants continue exercising in EF. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcripts were systematically reviewed using content analysis.

Results

Focus group participants were Chinese (n = 21, 40%), African American (n = 18, 35%), white (n = 10, 19%), and Japanese (n = 3, 6%). Mean (SD) age was 76 years (7.4). Participants had, on average, participated in EF for 44 months (SD = 37.8). Results revealed four themes related to adherence. First, environmental factors that promoted adherence were location of the classes, transportation, weather, and the facility. Second, design of the exercise program that encouraged adherence included exercise content and type of delivery. Third, social support factors that encouraged adherence were the socializing and support between class participants and support from family, health care providers, and the class instructors. Finally, individual factors that encouraged adherence were personality traits and feelings, past physical activity experience, health benefits, and mental stimulation.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest strategies for developing community-based physical activity programs for older adults from ethnically diverse communities.


Subjects:
[+]
Aged Aged, 80 And Over Attitude To Health Ethnicity Exercise Female Focus Groups Health Surveys Humans Life Style Male Middle Aged Patient Compliance Physical Fitness Questionnaires Risk Assessment Social Environment Socioeconomic Factors
Source:
Prev Chronic Dis. 2008; 5(1).
Document Type:
Journal Article
Place as Subject:
United States
Location:
North America
Collection(s):
Preventing Chronic Disease
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:660d98f93a34a5b746e9730c99cc812fbb380a7351c3b7ff6d6ce6825e83a5e2
Download URL:
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/20194/cdc_20194_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• 	license.txt	txt
  	PCD51A05.nxml	txt

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