Supports and Barriers to Older Adult Physical Activity
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults offers some strategies for overcoming common barriers to physical activity. The Guidelines can be ordered by calling the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiologists at 1-877-651-3755 or visit www.csep.ca.
What if I am too tired to get started?
Many of us feel that way, but most people who become physically active say that physical activity helps them feel better and gives them more energy.
The key is to choose activities that you enjoy because it will motivate you. For example:
Do you like to dance? Why not turn on some music and move to the beat?
Do you like nature? Go for a walk and take in the scenery.
Do you like gardening? No yard? Try a balcony garden.
What if I’ve worked hard my whole life and now just want to relax?
Being active can help you relax and prolong your independence. Staying active is important to your physical and mental health in your retirement years. It is important to choose things that you like to do and join activities with people you like to be with. For example:
Wash and wax your car.
Take your grandchildren for a walk.
Use a wheelchair? No problem, ‘wheeling’ can be as beneficial as walking.
What if I don’t have much time?
It is best to choose activities that you like and build them into your daily routine. As long as you choose activities from each of the three groups – endurance, flexibility, and strength and balance – your program will give you health benefits, improved function and improved quality of life.
The top 10 barriers to activity for Pre-retirement adults are:
Not enough time
Not enough energy
Lack of motivation
Illness or injury
Lack of Skill
Ill at ease
Cost
Fear of injury
Lack of facilities
Lack of a partner with whom to be active
Source: The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
The top 10 barriers to activity for Older Adults are:
Not enough energy
Lack of motivation
Illness or injury
Fear of injury
Lack of skill
Not enough time
Ill at ease
Lack of facilities
Cost
Lack of safe places
Source: The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
For example:
Walk the stairs in your house or apartment
Wash the floors
Clean up one of the shelves in your kitchen cupboards
