Health Risk Perceptions and Exercise in Older Adulthood: An Application of Protection Motivation Theory. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruthig, Joelle C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 35:Number 9(2016)
• Page Start: 939
• Page End: 959
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: health perceptions -- exercise -- older adults; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464814544214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was applied to explore the relationship between perceived risk of acute health crises and intent to exercise. Interviews of 351 community-living older adults assessed prior physical activity (PPA), all PMT components, and exercise intent. A multi-group structural equation model revealed gender differences in PMT predictors of exercise intent. PPA, age, self-efficacy, and response efficacy directly predicted men's intent. Women's PPA and age predicted PMT components of self-efficacy and response costs, which predicted intent. Findings have implications for devising interventions to enhance physical activity in later life by targeting different PMT components for older men and women.