Experiences of Physical Activity Among People 80 Years of Age and Older; Physical Activity as a Means of Counteracting Disability, Balanced in Relation to Frailty

Authors: Anna-Karin Welmer¹, Annika Mörck², Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff³

Affiliations: ¹ Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Aging Research Center (ARC), Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University; Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm; Institute of Neurosciences and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden; and The Swedish Institute for Health Sciences, Lund, Sweden. ² Project Livslots for seniors, Primärvårdsrehab Olskroken, Gothenburg. ³ Professor, Institute of Neurosciences and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden; The Swedish Institute for Health Sciences, Lund, Sweden.

Acceptance Date:  August 25, 2011

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe experiences of physical activity, perceived meaning and importance of, and motives and barriers for participation in physical activity, among people 80 years of age and older. A qualitative design with focus-group methodology was used. The sample consisted of 20 community-living people aged 80-91 years. Data analyses revealed four themes: physical activity as a part of everything else in life, joie de vivre, fear of disease and dependence and perceptions of frailty. Our results suggest that physical activity was not seen as a separate activity but rather as a part of activities often rated as more important than the physical activity itself. Thus, when designing physical activity interventions for elderly people, health care providers should consider including time for social interaction and possibilities of being outdoors. Moreover, assessment of physical activity levels among elderly people should include the physical activity in everyday activities.

Keywords – focus groups, physical activity, aged 80 and over, daily activities