Understanding Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults' Engagement in Physical Activity: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Limited information is available on the process of Chinese older adults' initiation, engagement, and maintenance of physical activity (PA), thus limiting the development of effective PA promotion programs. The purpose of the study was to investigate Chinese old adults' perspectives and experiences with PA engagement and to develop a conceptual model illustrating the process of how community-dwelling Chinese older adults engage in PA.

Research design and methods: This study used grounded theory methodology. Nineteen community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged older than 60 years participated. We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with participants. Open, axial, and selective coding, along with constant comparative analysis, was performed to analyze the data.

Results: Participants described PA engagement as a complex and dynamic process, consisting of 3 stages: Getting started, Participating in PA, and Making PA part of life. The transition from one stage to the next was driven by an increasing internalized motivation toward PA through Seeing benefits. Many participants described that Staying in groups was a key strategy for them to keep physically active. Moreover, Restructuring occurred when Chinese older adults encountered trigger situations.

Discussion and implications: This study identified the stages of how community-dwelling Chinese older adults engage in to perform and maintain PA. The developed conceptual model can inform future interventions for promoting PA among Chinese older adults.

Keywords: Chinese; Grounded theory; Older adults; Physical activity.