Physical Activity: A Comparison of Rural And Urban Older Adults' Needs and Preferences

Authors

Annette Contrady, Mercy HospitalFollow
Sarah L. Francis, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Elgloria Harrison, Lehman College, School of Health Sciences, Human Services and NursingFollow
Doris Montgomery, Iowa Department of Public Health (retired)Follow
Catherine Rudolph, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Lillie Monroe-Lord, PhD, RDN, LD, University of the District of Columbia, Center for Nutrition, Diet and HealthFollow
Elmira Asongwed, University of the District of ColumbiaFollow
Anne Marie Jean Baptiste, University of the District of ColumbiaFollow
Tiffany Johnson-Largent PhD RDN LDFollow
B. Michelle Harris, University of the District of ColumbiaFollow
Tia D. Jeffery, University of the District of ColumbiaFollow
Pier Broadnax, University of the District of ColumbiaFollow

Volume

62

Issue

3

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) rates among older adults are low. We examined and compared the PA needs, preferences, and practices of 118 rural- and urban-residing older adults through focus groups and surveys. The sample was diverse (White = 42.4%, Black = 37.3%), mostly female, food-secure, and not meeting PA recommendations (38.1%). PA rates were lower for rural-residing older adults (p < 0.05). PA motivators were health benefits and socialization, while barriers were cost, pain, low motivation, and health limitations. Preferred PA programs were described as age-appropriate, expert-led, and group-based. These findings provide insight regarding what to consider when planning PA programming for community-residing older adults.

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Recommended Citation

Contrady, A., Francis, S. L., Harrison, E., Montgomery, D., Rudolph, C., Monroe-Lord, PhD, RDN, LD, L., Asongwed, E., Jean Baptiste, A., Johnson-Largent PhD RDN LD, T., Harris, B., Jeffery, T. D., & Broadnax, P. (2024). Physical Activity: A Comparison of Rural And Urban Older Adults' Needs and Preferences. The Journal of Extension, 62(3), Article 37. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol62/iss3/37