title: The influence of life events on physical activity patterns of Dutch older adults: a life history method.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physical activity (PA) can improve well-being and health during older age. This study explored how life events influence PA patterns of older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen interviews with older adults were conducted using a life history method. PA patterns during the life course were identified, including information on when, how and why changes in PA occurred.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four different response patterns that affect PA patterns after life events (e.g. death of partner) were discerned as follows: 'I want to be physically active, but there are too many barriers', 'I have reached a point in my life where I do not have to be so active any more', 'I need to exercise now if I want to live the life I want' and 'I have always been active and cannot do without PA'. Which response pattern an older adult held was strongly related to PA development during earlier life (physical capital), and present and future self-conceptions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When developing interventions to enhance PA in older age, it is important to take into account the diversity of views on PA, based on physical capital and current and future self-conceptions. The life history method appeared valuable, providing a thorough understanding of changes in PA patterns.
authors.affiliation: a Clinical, Health and Neuropsychology , Leiden University , Leiden , The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Elise J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kenter
authors.forename: Winifred A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Gebhardt
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lottman
authors.forename: Mariët
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Rossum
authors.forename: Margreet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bekedam
authors.forename: Mathilde R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Crone
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: exercise; life events; life history method; older adults; physical activity; qualitative