Perceived Physical Activity Barriers by Community-Dwelling and Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: Preliminary Results

Background: PA participation among older adults can be influenced by various barriers, such as physical limitations due to health conditions or aging, a lack of professional guidance, and an inadequate distribution of information on available PA options. Perceived PA barriers among community-dwelling older adults and older adults in assisted living facilities can vary based on their living arrangements and individual circumstances.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare perceived PA constraints among community-dwelling older adults and older adults in assisted living facilities

Methods: The study sample comprised 130 individuals living in assisted living facilities and 152 community dwelling older adults. Totally, 149 women and 133 men participated. Leisure Time Physical Activity Constraints Scale consisting of 38 items and 8 subscales was used as a data collection tool.

Results:The 2×2 2-way MANOVA results indicated a significant main effect of living area (Pillai’s V=0.345; F(10,269)= 14.185, p<0.001, η2= 0.345). The gender and the interaction between the living area and gender were insignificant. The follow-up ANOVAs indicated significant differences in physical ability, facility, income, family, time, willpower, and social environment subscales. In all subscales, community dwelling older adults reported higher constraints.

Conclusions: Community-dwelling older adults may face barriers such as adverse weather conditions, fear of falling, lack of access to suitable PA options, and concerns about safety. Furthermore, the availability of social support, access to appropriate PA programs, and the perception of health barriers can influence PA levels among older adults in assisted living settings (Sanders et al., 2018).

Practical implications: Understanding the unique barriers faced by community-dwelling older adults and older adults in assisted living facilities is crucial for developing effective interventions to promote physical activity and enhance overall well-being in these populations.