Stay active. : Factors motivating elderly people to stay physically active after physiotherapy

Abstract: Background: Despite the known benefits of physical activities in the management of many chronic diseases associated with aging, a majority of elderly patients within primary health care have difficulties reach the daily recommendation of physical activity and risking being inactive after physiotherapy. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors influencing their motivation in order to provide support for them to stay physically active after physiotherapy. Aim: To describe the perceived latent motivating factors to stay physically active after physiotherapy among elderly people. Method: The Data was collected by open-ended interviews conducted with ten Swedish patients aged 69-88 years and then analyzed using content analysis and interpreted within   a social cognitive theory framework context.[LN1]  Results: The results contributed to one theme “Ability to cope with one-self, others and the environment“ combined with three categories. The categories were subjective factors, physical activity-related factors, and environmental factors. The result supports the participants’ characteristics that were partially similar to those in older age population. However, the current study contributed with new knowledge within each category. The outcome of these factors has shown that all participants enjoy high self-efficacy despite the variation in their health conditions. Inner feelings such self-blaming, discouragement and fear of being left out and alone expressed as matter of high relevance to older adults’ motivation, but not often considered within physiotherapy. The results also showed that having others as role models was not as important as having professional support.  Additionally, relevant information, type of sport facilities and physical activities as well as having fixed routines for physical activities influenced their motivation. Conclusion: The ability to cope with one-self, others and the environment was the main motivating factor to stay physically active after physiotherapy. This coping ability was influenced by subjective factors, physical activity-related factors and environmental factors. Health care professionals should be aware of these motivating factors and use them as a guide to support elderly patients’ motivation to stay physically active.  [LN1]..within eller from a social cognitive theory framework???