Affect Factors of Physical Activity in Older Adults

The purpose of this qualitative study was to ground current theory of exercise behaviour in Latvian population. 20 older adults aged 62 to 74 years of various activity levels provided semi-structured interviews with regard to personal experiences, barriers, and motives for physical activities. A model produced using a basic interpretive research showed that preventing health decline was particularly important in determining physical activity participation while at the same time poor health is the main barrier for exercising. As research data shows Latvian population would mostly choose the group training option rather than home based programs. Other influences included social support; internal factors, positive previous experience, and positive emotional background are the main motives for engaging in regular physical activities. Participants mentioned poor health, internal, social and environment factors as barriers to exercise. The findings reveal new behavioural aspects of physical activity concept in Latvian socio-cultural environment which is based on seniors' experience.