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ObjectiveTo explore the barriers to initiating and maintaining regular physical activity (PA) among UK Indian, Pakistani and White British adults in their 60s. DesignAn exploratory qualitative approach was utilised using 15 focus groups and 40 in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with different experiences of participation or non-participation in PA. ResultsMisunderstandings about the value of exercise in later life, particularly for those with ongoing healthcare problems, were identified in UK South Asian and White British older adults' accounts of their experience of the barriers to initiating and maintaining regular PA. Both groups and genders said that PA could exacerbate pre-existing health problems and result in physical harm. Although most beliefs were similar to those of the White British, ethnic-specific factors, such as language barriers, religious beliefs and cultural practices could act as additional barriers to undertaking and maintaining PA among UK South Asian older adults. Conclusions and implicationsUnderstanding the multiple levels of influence on older adults' PA behaviour can provide the basis for developing comprehensive approaches to health promotion initiatives aimed at increasing PA levels. Healthcare providers need to understand the characteristics and specific barriers faced by these groups of older adults; work with older people from these groups to develop culturally appropriate PA programmes and address the misunderstandings and misconceptions about the value of exercise in later-life, particularly in those with ongoing health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: strategies to prevent falls often recommend regular exercise. However, 40% of over 50s in the UK report less physical activity than is recommended. Even higher rates of sedentary behaviour have been reported among South Asian older adults. Objective: to identify salient beliefs that influence uptake and adherence to exercise for fall prevention among community- dwelling Caucasian and South Asian 60-70 year olds in the UK. Methods: we undertook an ethnographic study using participant observation, 15 focus groups (n = 87; mean age = 65.7 years) and 40 individual semi-structured interviews (mean age = 64.8 years). Data analysis used framework analysis. Results: young older adults do not acknowledge their fall risk and are generally not motivated to exercise to prevent falls. Those who had fallen are more likely to acknowledge risk of future falls. Whilst many of the beliefs about fails and exercise expressed were very similar between Caucasians and South Asians, there was a tendency for South Asians to express fatalistic beliefs more often. Conclusion: fall prevention should not be the focus of strategies to increase uptake and adherence to exercise. The wider benefits of exercise, leading to an active healthy lifestyle should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To explore the influence of primary health care professionals in increasing exercise and physical activity among 60–70-year-old White and South Asian community dwellers. Method: Fifteen focus groups and 40 in-depth interviews with community dwelling White and South Asian 60–70-year olds. The sample was selected to include people with very different experiences of participation and non-participation in exercise and physical activity. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: Primary health care professionals’ advice and support was found to be a motivator to the initiation of exercise and physical activity. However, this was usually in relation to advice on weight reduction, cardiac conditions and mobility issues, but not generally to improve or increase activity levels. An underlying attitude of genuine interest and empathy was valued and shaped decisions about initiating and/or increasing activity levels. Conclusion: Primary health care professionals should be encouraged to show interest and empathy with older people about the positive benefits of exercise and physical activity to them individually. This advice needs to be tailored to the older adult''s symptoms. Practice implications: Primary health care professionals need to be able to provide specific advice as to the quantity (frequency, duration, intensity and type) of exercise or physical activity to undertake. Practitioners need to listen to their patients’ needs, show empathy and avoid ageism during consultations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]