Book Description

Past research suggested a daily accumulation of 30-45 minutes of moderate physical activity was needed to achieve substantial health benefits. Yet, few Americans took part in regular physical activity (USDHHS, 1996; ACSM, 1990). Older adults were even less likely to participate in physical activity than their younger counterparts. Substantial health benefits were found to be similar between older adults and other age groups (AHA, 1995; Stefanick, et al., 1998; USDHHS, 2000). As the population grew older, their obesity increased, they became glucose intolerant (type II diabetes), and had a greater number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Petrella, 1999). Unfortunately, by age 75 one in three men and one in two women reported no physical activity (USDHHS, 2000). Studies suggested that an increase in education about the health benefits of exercise, and a decrease in the number of perceived barriers to exercise would increase the number of older adults who participated in exercise programs (Heesch, et al., 2000; O2Neill, & Reid, 1991). James Prochaska constructed a model of behavior change that examined the stages of change a person moves through to intentionally modify their behaviors rochaska, et al., 1992). The purpose of this study was to determine if older adults2 exercise knowledge and perceived barriers differed based on their current stage of change. Further, gender was examined as a possible intervening variable. A questionnaire was distributed among senior centers throughout Cincinnati, Ohio to evaluate stage of change, exercise knowledge, and perceived barriers to exercise in adults over the age of 60 years old. There were 195 questionnaires obtained. Results revealed a significant relationship between exercise knowledge and stage of change (r = .445, p