title: Long-term Evaluation of the "Get Fit for Active Living" Program.
abstract: This study examined six- and 12-month levels of adherence to physical activity, functional changes, and psychosocial determinants of physical activity in 176 older adults who participated in the "Get Fit for Active Living (GFAL)" pilot program. Functional and psychosocial measures were conducted in person at six months; psychosocial measures and physical activity participation were assessed by telephone interview at 12 months. Ninety-five per cent were retained in the study at the six-month follow-up, and 88 per cent at 12 months. The self-reported adherence rate to exercise at 12 months was 66 per cent. The main reason for continued exercise participation was to maintain health (45%). Reasons for nonadherence were illness (38%) and lack of motivation (32%). Results identify factors associated with positive behaviour change that health promoters can utilize when targeting the older adult population. The GFAL project results can serve as a model for sustainable, community-based older-adult exercise programs.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology,Faculty of Health Sciences,Western University.
authors.forename: Liza
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stathokostas
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health Department of Recreation,Western University.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Speechley
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology,Faculty of Health Sciences,Western University.
authors.forename: Robert M D
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Little
authors.affiliation: Park and Tourism Management,Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Shawna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Doerksen
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education,University of Lethbridge.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Copeland
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology,Faculty of Health Sciences,Western University.
authors.forename: Donald H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Paterson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: adherence; adhésion; aging; communautaire; community-based; exercice; exercise; forme fonctionnelle; functional fitness; vieillissement