A Typology of Factors Influencing Seniors' Participation in Strength Training in Gyms and Fitness Centers.

A Typology of Factors Influencing Seniors' Participation in Strength Training in Gyms and Fitness Centers. J Aging Phys Act. 2017 Nov 01;:1-24 Authors: Pettigrew S, Burton E, Farrier K, Hill AM, Bainbridge L, Lewin G, Lewin P, Hill K Abstract Older people are less likely to engage in strength training than their younger counterparts, despite the substantial benefits of this form of exercise for preventing and addressing age-related physical decline. In many countries, strength training programs are available for older people, yet are undersubscribed. The aim of the present study was to identify the factors influencing older people's participation in strength training at gyms and fitness centers to provide insights into potentially effective recruitment and retention strategies for this population. Seventy-nine individuals from four stakeholder groups (seniors, fitness center instructors and managers, health practitioners, and those involved in policy) were interviewed to identify and explicate relevant factors. A detailed typology was developed that provides insights into potential strategies at five ecological system levels: intra-personal, inter-personal, organizational, social, and policy. The typology can be used as a tool for identifying opportunities to encourage strength training participation among older people. PMID: 29091511 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity - Category: Geriatrics Tags: J Aging Phys Act Source Type: research