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.

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