Older Adults' Motivation to Exercise: Qualitative Insights from Czech Republic

Regular physical activity in older age contributes to a general feeling of well-being and prevention of many chronic diseases. The present study aims to better understand the motivation to exercise in group of independently living active older adults. A qualitative research method DIPEx was applied using thematic analysis. The analyzed 34 interviews defined five general themes: (a) Exercise as an expression of the will to live: An attempt to slow down and reverse the aging process; (b) Exercise as a way to get closer to people; (c) Exercise as a part of identity; (d) Exercise aiming to preserve or improve health; (e) Exercise for the sheer joy of the physical activity. Another finding is that more frequent exercise was facilitated by more intrinsic types of motivation while the less frequent exercising groups valued more the social and health impact of exercise.