DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

"Barriers, Determinants, and Predictors of Participation in Exercise, Physical Activity and Lifetime Sports for Older Individuals"

This was an evaluative research study of the predictors of and barriers to participation in exercise, physical activity, and lifetime sports by a sample of older individuals in Prince George's County, Maryland. Determining what factors contribute to an older person's decision to participate in these types of programs is an important aspect of the program planning process and contributes to the body of knowledge concerning older individuals' health beliefs and health habits.

Exercise, physical activity, and lifetime sports participation is critical to achieving and maintaining the functional health and independence of the older population. Exercise and fitness activities reduce the risks of disease and disability and contribute to the health and well-being of older people.

More older individuals are living longer throughout the world. Many of these individuals are healthy enough to actually enjoy their longevity. One of the main reasons for the improvements in their functional health and longevity is that many more older people are better educated about what constitutes good health and are more accepting of those behavioral factors that contribute to good health such as increasing physical activity.

Correlation analyses were performed on the exogenous independent variables. All variables constructed using multiple items were tested for internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. Comparison of means using ANOVA with Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference tests and independent samples t-tests where appropriate were used. Directional, bivariate correlation analyses were conducted to ascertan associations among all variables.

Homoscedasticity was established using scatterplots of absolute residuals and further tests were conducted with Bruesch-Pagan statistics as needed. Any outlying values in the data were tested for influence using Bonferroni tests, leverage values, and Cook's distance measures.

Among the demographic variables, race was not found to be a significant predictor of participation. This represents a departure from most other studies in the literature and could be open to multiple positive interpretations. Age was a significant predictor with the coefficient indicating that as people continued to age they developed the proclivity to participate less.

Interestingly, the relationship between cues to action and exercise and physical activity participation was not significant in this study. This may be because the more cues an individual is given; that is, the more they are told to exercise, the less they actually do. However, as cues to action increase, so do the respondents' perceptions of the benefits.

One of the great challenges of conducting research studies on aging and physical activity is that so very few comparative research studies that focus on this population actually exist. Research studies that focus on the participation levels of women and minorities are almost non-existent. Older women, older blacks, and older socioeconomically disadvantaged persons represent a good population to study as there are nearly twice as many older women as older men, the longevity rates of older blacks and other minorities continues to increase, and the socioeconomic outlook for many older persons is less than encouraging.