title: Perceived reasons, incentives, and barriers to physical activity in Swedish elderly men.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knowledge about factors influencing physical activity behavior is needed in order to tailor physical activity interventions to the individual.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceived reasons, barriers, and incentives to increased physical activity, as well as preferable activities, among elderly men in Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 150 men aged 50-86 years responded to a Web-based questionnaire. Men who reported that they exercised sometimes or often received questions about reasons for physical activity (n=104), while men who reported that they never or seldom exercised received questions about barriers (n=46).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most frequent perceived reason for being physically active was health (82%), followed by enjoyment (45%), and a desire to lose/maintain weight (27%). Lack of interest/motivation was identified as the primary perceived barrier (17%). Incentives for increasing the level of activity included becoming more motivated and having a training partner. Walking was the most preferred activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Enjoyment and maintaining a good health were important reasons for engaging in physical activity among Swedish elderly men.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stockholm, Sweden. camilla.sjors@ki.se.
authors.forename: Camilla
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0543-5498
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sjörs
authors.forename: Stephanie E
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2219-7970
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Bonn
authors.forename: Ylva
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6816-7577
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Trolle Lagerros
authors.forename: Arvid
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5226-6685
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sjölander
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2046-5641
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bälter
keywords: Internet; aged; barrier; exercise; men; motivation