Introduction: Research on variables that encourage older adults to exercise is limited. This study was carried out to identify the participation motives of older Europeans involved in regular exercise.
Methods: The 418 (170 men, 248 women) who participated in the survey are participants of the Erasmus Plus European Project In Common Sports. The participants were divided into two groups. Italy, Portugal, and Spain formed the Southern Europe group, and Bulgaria and Hungary the Eastern European group. All participants completed the Participation Motivation Questionnaire: Older Adults.
Results: The most highly reported motives for participation were to have fun, stay in shape, keep healthy, and an enjoyment of exercise. Principal-components analysis of the questionnaire revealed six factors: social, fitness, recognition, challenge/benefits, medical, and involvement.
Conclusions: The reasons why the residents of Southern European practice exercise are more related to medical reasons, while for Eastern Europe these reasons are more related to recognition.
Keywords: aging; health; motivation; sport.