Perceptions and attitudes towards exercise among C hinese elders – the implications of culturally based self‐management strategies for effective health‐related help seeking and person‐centred care

Background Encouraging the uptake of physical activity among a culturally diverse elderly population presents a challenge for health‐care providers across the world. Little is known about the health‐care needs of these populations, for example the increasingly ageing group of C hinese elders in many parts of the world who are now facing later life and increasing challenges to their health. Objective This study aimed to explore behaviours and attitudes towards exercise among older C hinese immigrants in the UK to provide insights into the health of C hinese populations in the UK and elsewhere. Design A G rounded T heory approach using purposive and theoretical sampling with in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Setting and participants Chinese elders were recruited from C hinese communities in the N orth W est of E ngland. Thirty‐three participants were interviewed face‐to‐face and audio‐recorded. Results Participants self‐managed exercise based on cultural perceptions of health and ingrained C hinese values. Professional support and information was lacking and relied on folk norms rather than person‐centred recommendations for healthy living. Inappropriate exercise regimes could act as a substitute for seeking health‐related advice when exercise was often used as a self‐monitored barometer to assess their perceived health status. Discussion and conclusion Chinese elders may undertake inappropriate exercise, leading to high‐risk situations, if appropriate professional information is not provided. Health‐care practitioners should devote attention to understanding C hinese elders' attitudes towards exercise, as this may ultimately lead to successful health promotion activities. A person‐centred approach that acknowledges and works with self‐management practices is advocated.