Motivation in later life - A psychosocial perspective

The purpose of the present article is to examine the psychosocial factors related to motivation to engage in physical activity in later life. Although the health-promoting benefits of regular physical activity are well-documented, relatively few older adults engage in sufficient physical activity to realize those benefits. This article considers both the barriers to physical activity and the possible underlying motivational factors that are at work in this segment of the population. In addition, several important theoretical frameworks for understanding motivation for physical activity will be examined, including self-regulation, social cognitive, and stages of change models. Finally, research examining older adults' lived experiences and their perceptions of motivation and health behaviors will be discussed. The theoretical, empirical, and qualitative literatures will be considered as a whole and practical applications for practitioners in the field will be offered.