A prediction model of aerobic exercise in older adults living in a continuing-care retirement community.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to test a model of exercise behavior in older adults. It was hypothesized that gender, marital status, chronic illness, mental and physical health, self-efficacy and outcome expectations, fear of falling, and past exercise behavior were directly and/or indirectly associated with current exercise behavior.


METHODS
In this descriptive study, interviews were conducted with 201 older adults living in a continuing-care retirement community.


RESULTS
Twelve paths were significant, and the model accounted for 40% of the variance in exercise behavior. Self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and prior exercise were directly associated with current exercise; health status, gender, and marital status were indirectly associated with current exercise behavior through self-efficacy and outcome expectations.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognizing and treating mental and physical health problems may directly influence self-efficacy and outcome expectations related to exercise. Moreover, interventions that strengthen self-efficacy and outcome expectations related to exercise may improve exercise behavior.
Resnick
B
B
University of Maryland, USA.
D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors