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Physical Activity Perceptions and Influences among Older Adults in Rural Nova Scotia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2016

Chad S. G. Witcher ,
Nicholas L. Holt ,
Wendy Young ,
Chris Blanchard ,
Donna Murnaghan  and
John C. Spence
Chad S. G. Witcher*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta
Nicholas L. Holt
Affiliation:
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta
Wendy Young
Affiliation:
Division of Community Health and Humanities, Memorial University
Chris Blanchard
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University
Donna Murnaghan
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island
John C. Spence
Affiliation:
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta
*
‡La correspondance et les demandes de tirés-à-part doivent être adressées à : / Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to: Chad Witcher, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Public Health Faculty of Health Sciences University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive West Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 (chad.witcher@uleth.ca)
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Abstract

This study identified factors that influenced physical activity (PA) participation among older adults from rural settings in Nova Scotia Canada and explored how the rural context may influence PA participation and promotion. Data were collected via individual semistructured interviews with 20 older adults (Mage = 77.5 years) from rural areas of Cape Breton and subjected to thematic analysis procedures (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Four themes representing factors that influence the prioritization of PA were identified: (1) historical context of activity, work, and productivity; (2) already busy with day-to-day activities; (3) being/staying on the go; and (4) cautionary approach. These findings suggest that PA promotion should be contextually salient, and highlight the need for a shared understanding between rural older adults and PA promoters regarding what constitutes being “physically active”. Effective promotion of PA among rural older adults may require a shift away from contemporary methods of PA promotion.

Résumé

Cette étude a identifié les facteurs qui influencent la participation à l’activité physique (AP) chez les adultes âgés de milieu rural en Nouvelle-Écosse, et a étudié comment le contexte rural peut influer sur la participation et la promotion de l’AP. Les données ont été recueillies au moyen d’entrevues semi-structurées individuelles avec 20 adultes plus âgés (Âgem = 77,5 ans) des régions rurales du Cap-Breton, Nouvelle-Écosse, et soumis à des procédures d’analyse thématique (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Quatre thèmes représentant facteurs qui influent sur la priorisation des AP ont été identifiés: (1) Le contexte historique de l’activité, le travail et la productivité; (2) déjà s’etant occupé avec les activités au jour le jour; (3) étant / restant sur la route; et (4) une approche prudente. Ces résultats suggèrent que la promotion de l’AP devrait être contextuellement saillant, et ils soulignent la nécessité d’une compréhension commune entre les personnes âgées en milieu rural et les promoteurs de l’AP sur ce qui constitue être «physiquement actif.” La promotion effective de l’AP chez les adultes ruraux âgés peut nécessitent le déplacement de méthodes contemporaines de cette promotion.

Keywords

agingphysical activityruralCape Bretonqualitativebusy ethicvieillissmentactivitéruralÎle du Cap-Bretonqualitatiféthique occupée
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 35 , Issue 1 , March 2016 , pp. 115 - 129
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Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2016 

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