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.

Creative Commons License

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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. Journal of Extension, 62(3), Article 37. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.62.03.37