Preventing frailty among inactive older adults : what motivates to an active lifestyle?

Abstract: Abstract Background: Frailty is a physiological condition caused by aging which increases the risk for adverse health problems and extended need for health and social care. This condition can be prevented, and to some extent treated, with physical activity. But research shows that older adults spend as much as 62 to 86 percent of their waking time sedentary. However, there is a lack of research, national studies in particular, looking into what specifically motivates older adults to physical activity. Purpose:The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of which aspects, and why, that motivated physically inactive older adults to become physically active.  Method: The study was conducted with a qualitative study design in the form of four focus groups interviews. The 19 respondents consisted of older adults with a physical inactive lifestyle. The Health Belief Model was used as a theoretical framework. A thematic content analysis with a deductive approach was used when processing collected data. Result: 16 subcategories were found answering the research questions and four of these were more prominent than the others: Companionship and social health, Possibilities to choose, Physical Activity on Prescription (FaR®) and No fear and worries. The theme Barriers stood out compared to the others themes since containing a larger number of subcategories. Conclusion: There were aspects within both health and social care as on a societal- and personal level that motivated the respondents to an increased physical activity. Further research is however needed within this area. Not only looking into what motivates older adults to an active lifestyle in general, but also what especially motivates those who are at greatest risk for frailty or already being frail.