title: A theoretical investigation of the development of physical activity habits in retirement.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the impact of retirement on physical activity (PA) patterns. More specifically, the process of initiating and maintaining behaviour changes in PA were explored using a self-determination theory perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the formation of lifestyle habits post-retirement, and the role of PA within these. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and an informal comparison made between physically active and inactive retired adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 11 participants (7 female, 4 male; 6 physically active, 5 physically inactive) were recruited from churches and a local newspaper advertisement in South West England. On average, participants (M age=62.91 years; SD=2.3) had been retired 2 years and 8 months (SD=20.03).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three main themes emerged from the interviews specific to retired adults; social factors, lifelong tendencies, and sense of purpose. All retired adults searched for purpose in their lives, and for physically active adults having an exercise schedule contributed to this on a daily basis. PA also represented a source of personal challenge, whereas physically inactive retirees sought meaning and challenge from non-exercise domains. All participants were acutely aware of their mortality, but active participants felt that PA would increase their chances of enjoying a healthy retirement, rather than accepting a decline in physical function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results highlighted how global aspirations for life after retirement can influence one's post-retirement lifestyle. The implications for future research and potential health promotion approaches are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK. feb20@bath.ac.uk
authors.forename: Fay
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gillison
authors.forename: Martyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Standage
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012179:Retirement; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support