Timing, Experience, Benefits, and Barriers: Older Women's Uptake and Adherence to an Exercise Program

Abstract

In this article we examine the experiences of older women who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) physical activity intervention designed to test the influence of exercise on executive function (cognition). Specifically, we were interested in why these women joined the RCT exercise program (uptake) and why they continued (adherence). Data were collected from 84 older women enrolled in the RCT (average age 69.6 years) in 10 focus group sessions at two time points. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. The findings showed that a range of factors influence both exercise uptake and adherence: timing in one's life, previous experience, physical benefits, personal barriers, and commitment. Our research findings have implications for understanding exercise and physical activity in later life as well as offering suggestions for programming.