Perceived barriers and benefits to physical activity by institutionalised Maltese older adults

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is prevalent in most older adults residing in longterm care (LTC) facilities which puts them at a higher risk of contracting a noncommunicable disease. The aim was to identify perceived benefits and barriers towards physical activity (PA) by Maltese institutionalised older adults. Method: The Exercise Benefit Barrier Scale was used to collect data on the perceived benefits and barriers towards physical activity, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Elderly was used to investigate the level of physical activity. Analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results: Participants from the public home were more active than the private, with females being more active overall. 69% of participants performed low physical activity while 41% of participants did not perform any PA, and spent most of their time, between 3 to 12 hours, sedentary. Males perceived more barriers than females. Physical and quality of life improvements were identified by participants as benefits arising from physical activity, and physical exertion, inadequate environment and lack of family support as barriers. Conclusion: The results advance knowledge about barriers that influence institutionalised older adults from being physically active and help to identify the perceived benefits that act as motivation. Implementing strategies to reduce barriers and promote benefits may result in more engagement in PA.