Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

As the general health of older adults continues to improve over time due to advances in health and wellness, aging may mark declines in older adult activity which may exacerbate deterioration in physical and cognitive health, as well as social support networks. Accordingly, barriers to activity, either perceived or actual, may intensify these environments, thereby impacting lifestyles of the aged and compound an already precarious relationship between activity and quality of life. The methodology employed a two-step approach to data gathering. Older adults were polled and asked to list one personal barrier they face about engaging in activity/exercise. Following analysis of these data, a new survey instrument was developed, piloted, and administered to five older adult groups. Results included five additional themes older adults identified as barriers to activity. These themes included: attitude, illness or disease, disability or impairment, cultural differences, and lack of interest or apathy. This research corroborates both the need for proactive planning and complete understanding of theses barriers’ impacts on society by decision makers and those working with older adults.