Intervention markers of physical activity maintenance in older adults

Objectives: To identify intervention components that may promote longterm changes of physical activity among older adults in a behavioral theory-based physical activity trial. Methods: Participants (N = 24; aged 65+8.79 years) shared perceptions of intervention components at the end of the intervention and physical activity was assessed at 18 months. Mixed-methods analyses using a pragmatic content analysis of interview data were conducted. Results: Active study participants (25%) cited more specific goals/actions to achieve goals and more social support from family/friends, and had significantly higher self-determined motivation mean scores at 18 months than insufficiently active study participants (75%). Conclusions: Specific goalsetting behaviors and social support from family/friends may be key elements of physical activity maintenance in older adults.