Older adults and motivation for therapy and exercise - Issues, influences, and interventions

The purpose of this article is to identify several factors affecting exercise and rehabilitation motivation of the older adult. To this end, several theories associated with motivation are recognized, the concepts of apathy and depression are discussed, and interventions and strategies to increase motivation levels in older adults are acknowledged. It is hoped that by addressing motivation issues concerning the older adult, therapists, health promoters, and other members of the medical community will be better prepared to serve the older adult population.