Promotion of Exercise and Health for Older People in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study on the Potential, Experiences and Strategies of General Practitioners in Germany

In advanced age, physical activity becomes an important element in maintaining one’s individual health. GPs are considered to be well suited for advising and attending to older patients according to the principles of (preventive) healthcare. The subject was examined in the context of a study that determined options for action, experiences and strategies relating to the physical activation of older patients by GPs. Between 2021 and 2022, 76 semi-standardised interviews amongst GPs were conducted in all federal states of Germany. The data were evaluated by qualitative content analysis. The category system includes: importance of promoting physical activity; focus of exercise counselling; procedure of counselling; overview of exercise offers and cooperation with healthcare stakeholders; challenges and optimisation approaches. Many interviewees were aware of the significance of promoting health and exercise among older persons. Some physicians paid attention to identifying suitable activities for patients and motivating them to participate on a long-term basis. Cooperations with local health stakeholders have been identified. The interviewees recognised various challenges, which were mainly attributable to the lack of structures for health promotion. Several of the GPs lacked an overview of the physical activity programmes. GPs should assume an active role in exercise and health promotion for older patients. For them to be able to refer their patients effectively to exercise opportunities offered, it will be of importance to integrate the GP setting into a community-based network of prevention. Training measures could support the GP team to refer to the value of physical activity and address need-based recommendations.