The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Exercise Goals, and Health Satisfaction in Elderly Women

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the intensity of physical exercise, its objectives, and satisfaction with health among women over the age of 60 years. Methods: The study included 577 physically active women aged 60-79 (mean age 67.8±4.8 years), residing in northern and central Poland. Standardized tools were used, namely, the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives. Nonparametric statistical methods were applied. Results: There was a difference between the intensity of physical activity (Activity Metabolic Index – AMI) and the strength of motivation (motivational value - MV), time management (TM) and choosing physical activity vs. other goals (motivational conflict - MC) (P < .05 for the H test, each time). Women engaging in low (AMI_L), high (AMI_H) and total (Total_AMI) levels who considered MV important, achieved better results compared to those who considered it unimportant (P < .001 for the U test in each case). Those who appreciated the importance of physical activity goals on the MC scale and exercised at the AMI_M, AMI_H, Total_AMI levels achieved better results compared to those who considered them unimportant (P < .001; P < .01; P < .01 for the U test, respectively). Respondents with better results on the MV, TM, MC scales were more satisfied with their health compared to those who were dissatisfied (P < .001 for the U test) (moderate effect size: Rg= - .29; Rg= - .28; Rg= - .24). Conclusions: The demonstrated links between the intensity of physical activity, its goals, and the health of older women offer practical guidance for instructors, trainers and psychologists. The findings suggest that it is possible to support and shape additional motivations and to set new realistic goals that may enhance perseverance in action and thus undertake lifelong physical activity.