title: Perceptions of physical fitness and exercise activity among older adults.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine older adults' perceptions of physical fitness and exercise. This qualitative study was divided into four stages as described by Berg (1989): identification of the concept of the study; development of the interview guide; collection of data; and data analysis. Twenty-three older adults, aged 63-82 years (9 females, 14 males), participated in the interviews. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis. Three major themes emerged as the participants viewed physical fitness in terms of: functional independence ('being able to do'); holism ('mind-body works together'); and age reference (-for people my age'). Nine elements which impeded or enhanced physical activity were identified. Implications for education, research and practice are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell 01854, USA.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Melillo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Futrell
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chamberlain
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bourque
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: MacDonnell
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Phaneuf
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept