Motivating elders to initiate and maintain exercise

Abstract

This article addresses the motivation of elders to initiate exercise. It is part of the study guide on geriatric rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation and geriatric medicine. This article specifically focuses on the health benefits of exercise, describes a theoretical model for assessing and improving an individual's motivation to pursue exercise, details the particular challenges elders face in initiating and adhering to an exercise program, and outlines professional interventions to address these obstacles.

Overall article objective: To explore the particular challenges elders face in motivation to exercise and to develop a systematic approach for counseling elders toward greater activity.