Physical activity beliefs among overweight/obese older adults: results from a theory of planned behavior elicitation study.

The aim of this study was to elicit physical activity beliefs among over weight/obese older adults. Using open-ended questions, standardized interviews were conducted among 30 participants to document their behavioral, normative and control beliefs based on the theory of planned behavior. A content analysis revealed that the most salient behavioral beliefs (benefits) concerned improvement in fitness, psychological wellbeing and cardiovascular and joint-related health. The most prevalent disadvantages involved the obligation to remain disciplined over time, joint pain and injury. Normative beliefs were associated with the familial environment. Time management, exercising alone, the weather and health prob lems represented the major control beliefs (barriers). Facilitating factors mentioned most often included noticing the benefits, integrating physical activity into the daily routine and access to nearby infrastructures. This study provided useful informa tion to develop interventions that may prove better adapted to this population.