Motivational Interviewing, Readiness for Change, Walking, and Functional Ability in Older Adults

Regular exercise in older adults can slow the physical, psychological, and functional decline that is associated with aging. Understanding what may contribute to the initiation and adherence of exercise within the older adult population might help identify interventions that would successfully increase physical activity. The purpose of the current study was to determine if motivational interviewing would increase readiness for change, daily steps, and functional ability among older adult participants. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and pedometers were used to assess functional ability and daily steps within two groups of older adults. All participants who completed the 8-week study, on average, demonstrated an increase in daily steps as well as overall fitness. Posttest analyses revealed that the outcome for the intervention group did not exceed the control group, with the exception of the 8-foot up-and-go test, a test within the SFT that measures agility and dynamic balance ( p = 0.035). One-on-one, individualized socialization sessions may have contributed to the overall improvement noted in both groups. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48 (3), 23–29.]