Promoting Physical Activity: Guidance from the Wellness Motivation Theory
By: Siobhan McMahon PhD MPH GNP-BC, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing,
University of Minnesota
Handout – Promoting Physical Activity
Strong evidence delineates the physical activities that will benefit older adults. Yet, most older adults have low levels of physical activity. In this webinar, we will discuss barriers and facilitators to physical activity among older adults, as well as promotion strategies designed to motivate increased physical activity. We will also describe the wellness motivation theory as a guide to investigating which strategies, within programs, are essential when promoting sustained physical activity in older adults.
Objectives:
- Review physical activity recommendations for older adults
- Discuss barriers and facilitators of physical activity among older adults
- Discuss the wellness motivation theory and how it guides program design and ongoing physical activity research
- Discuss the impact of identifying which promotion strategies increase sustained physical activity in older adults
Siobhan McMahon, PhD., MPH., GNP-BC, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota
Dr. McMahon’s research focuses on promoting health and wellness among older adults, particularly those with fall risk. Her studies examine the relative effects of behavior change strategies on older adults’ motivation and action to make physical activity part of their everyday life. The overarching purpose of these studies is to optimize physical activity programs for older adults and reduce the public health problem of falls and their devastating effects on quality of life.
Related Research links:
Assessing the Effects of Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Behavior Change Strategies
Recommendations for physical activity – acsm_position_stand_exercise_and_physical_activity_for_older_adults
15_F-9_Older_Adults_PA Recommendations_2018
Meta-analyses examining strategies and approaches that are associated with greater intervention effects –
French_2014_Review_BCT
JoAnaChase_Meta Analysis_2014