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Older Adult Perspectives on Physical
Activity and Exercise: Voices From
Multiple Cultures |
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Introduction
Increasing physical activity is a goal of Healthy People
2010. Although the health benefits of physical activity
are documented, older adults are less physically active
than any other age group. The purpose of this study was
to examine barriers and facilitators to physical activity
and exercise among underserved, ethnically diverse
older adults.
Methods
Seventy-one older adults were recruited through community
agencies to participate in seven ethnic-specific
focus groups: American Indian/Alaska Native, African
American, Filipino, Chinese, Latino, Korean, and
Vietnamese. Groups were conducted in the participants’
primary language and ranged in size from 7–13 participants.
Mean age was 71.6 years (range from 52 to 85
years; SD + 7.39). Professional translators transcribed
audiotapes into the language of the group and then translated
the transcript into English. Transcripts were systematically
reviewed using content analysis.
Results
Suggested features of physical activity programs to
enhance participation among ethnically diverse minority
older adults included fostering relationships among
participants; providing culture-specific exercise; offering
programs at residential sites; partnering with and
offering classes prior to or after social service programs;
educating families about the importance of physical
activity for older adults and ways they could help; offering
low- or no-cost classes; and involving older adults in
program development. Walking was the exercise of
choice across all ethnic groups. Health served as both a
motivator and a barrier to physical activity. Other
factors influencing physical activity were weather,
transportation, and personal safety.
Conclusion
Findings from this study suggest strategies for culture-
specific programming of community-based physical
activity programs. |
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| Type |
Journal - Bibliographic Record |
Resource Type
(If applicable)
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| Author(s) |
Basia Belza, PhD, RN, Julie Walwick, MSW, Sharyne Shiu-Thornton, PhD, Sheryl Schwartz, MPA,
Mary Taylor, BSN, RN, James LoGerfo, MD, MPH |
| Book Publisher |
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| Journal Publisher |
Preventing Chronic Disease |
| Year |
2004 |
| Pages |
1-12 |
| Article Title |
Older Adult Perspectives on Physical Activity and Exercise: Voices From Multiple Cultures |
| Edition |
V1 No.4 |
Contact Information
(If applicable)
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Comments
(If applicable)
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National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity & Aging | Florida International University, OE 200, Miami, FL 33199
Phone: 305-348-1517 | Fax: 305-348-1518 | E-mail: nutrionandaging@fiu.edu
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