Elderly on the Move: Level, Barriers, and Motivation to Physical Activity Wen Kew Jing1, Labao Hernan Cortez2,* 1Physiotherapy Student, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia 2Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia *Corresponding Author: Hernan Cortez Labao, Lecturer-Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Tel. No.: 06–798 2000 ext. 2569 Mobile No.: +60167535767, E-mail: hernancl1979@yahoo.com
Online published on 21 November, 2019. Abstract Background of Study Physical inactivity is associated with many chronic diseases, impaired cognitive health and increased mortality rate. Therefore, understanding the level of physical activity, the underlying motivations, and barriers to physical activity among older adults is important. Materials and Method This quantitative, descriptive survey involved 34 older adults aged 65 and above from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Respondents were asked to complete questionnaires about levels of physical activity over the last seven days, barriers, and motivations to physical activity. Results Results imply that majority of elderly adults (50%) have a moderate level of physical activity. Lack of skills (90.58 + 12.04), fear of injury (90.29 + 9.36), and lack of energy (89.70 + 11.41) were the major barriers in participating to physical activity. In addition, intrinsic motivation (18.42 + 9.53) and identified regulation (18.35 + 9.48) represents the main types of motivation that encourage older adults to engage in physical activity. Conclusion The findings of this research provide an insight when developing interventions that promote higher level of participation and minimize barriers of physical activity among older adults. Top Keywords Barriers to Physical Activity, Elderly, Motivation, Levels of Physical Activity. Top |