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Barriers to physical activity participation in older Tongan adults living in New Zealand
Author(s) -
Kolt Gregory S,
Paterson Janis E,
Cheung Vivian Y M
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2006.00157.x
Subject(s) - recreation , physical activity , gerontology , psychology , focus group , qualitative research , medicine , sociology , political science , physical therapy , social science , anthropology , law
Objectives: To identify perceived barriers to physical activity participation in older Tongan adults living in New Zealand.Methods: Focus groups with 24 sedentary older Tongans to examine the role of physical activity in Tongan culture, perceived barriers to and benefits of physical activity participation, and how to encourage physical activity participation. Data were analysed using a descriptive qualitative methodology.Results: The perceived role of physical activity centred on traditional ways of living, recreational and outdoor pursuits, and house chores and activities of daily living. Physical activity barriers included education and motivation, physical environment, family environment, physical and health issues and cultural expectations. Social, psychological, cognitive and health benefits of physical activity were identified, and it was suggested that the government, medical/health practitioners and church leaders were all important in encouraging increased participation.Conclusions: Community‐based programmes may be one way of encouraging physical activity in this population.