Effect of psychosocial motivations and technology on physical activity behaviours among community older men and women

Abstract

Background

Implementation of physical activity strategies in older populations may be influenced by underlying psychosocial and gender-based factors to physical activity. We explored associations between these factors and physical activity behaviors and technology among older men and women.

Methods

Community older adults underwent echocardiography and interviewer administered questionnaires that collected physical activity habits, self-motivation, self-empowerment and smartphone usage patterns associated with physical activity. Aerobic capacity was denoted by VO₂max (High VO₂ was defined as VO₂ > 35 (ml/kg/min) for men or VO₂ > 27 (ml/kg/min) for women).

Results

Among 180 participants (mean age 77 (71–80) years; 43% females), 101 (56.1%) had a low VO₂max. Barriers to activity were lack of time (27.8%), tiredness (26.7%), affordability (12.8%) and pain while exercising (12.2%). Compared to participants with high VO₂max, those with low VO₂max were less likely to report feeling good post-exercise (70.3% vs 86.1%, adjusted p = 0.041) and express barriers to exercise (72.3% vs 88.6%, adjusted p = 0.017). Compared to men, women were more likely to express motivation for exercise if they were guided by an instructor (20.5% vs 1.96%, adjusted p = 0.027), less likely to prefer control over exercise type and difficulty (57.7% vs 82.4%, adjusted p = 0.001), express interest in smartphone apps (7.84% vs 24.4%, adjusted p = 0.01) and participate in apps-guided exercise (10.3% vs 29.4%, adjusted p = 0.001). Major factors that motivated the use of smartphone applications to manage individual health were financial incentives (23.9%) and guidance on exercise routines (21.1%) while the reveal of personal information was a major deterrent (28.3%).

Conclusions

We observed differences in physical activity motivation, empowerment and technology use based on gender and functional status. Tailoring physical activity strategies, including digital health strategies, that target psychosocial and gender-based factors may improve activity participation in older adults.