What do older adults think about when formulating implementation intentions for physical activity? Evidence from a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Physical activity is an important health behaviour especially for older adults. Forming implementation intentions is an effective strategy to implement physical activity in daily life for young and middle-aged adults. However, evidence for older adults is inconclusive. This study explored the thoughts of older adults about implementation intentions and potential barriers and facilitators while formulating them.

Methods

Three samples of older adults from the United Kingdom (n = 8), Germany (n = 9) and Switzerland (n = 17) were prompted to think aloud while formulating implementation intentions to be more physically active. After the task, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants expressed pre-establishe

SUBMITTER: Bosch VD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10087560 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature