Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Age differences in reasons for exercising

  • Published:
Current Psychology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that there are age-related differences in reasons for exercising. Adults (n=461), ranging in age from 18 to 86, were asked to indicate if they had considered different types of consequences in their exercise decisions, and how important they thought those consequences were to consider. A three-factor consequence measure examined individuals’ consideration and importance evaluations of various categories of exercise consequences. Results provided mixed support for the hypotheses that younger individuals exhibit greater concern for interpersonal attraction outcomes, while older individuals exhibit greater concern for health outcomes. These results have implications for designing educational and motivational training programs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). (1995). A profile of older Americans. Washington, D.C.: AARP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banks, S. M., Salovey, P., Greener, S., Rothman, A., Moyer, A., Beauvais, J., & Epel, E. (1995). The effects on message framing on mammography utilization. Health Psychology, 14 (2), 178–184.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blair, S. N., Wells, C. L., Weathers, R. D., & Paffenbarger, Jr., S. R. 1994). Chronic disease: The physical activity dose-response controversy. In R. K. Dishman (Ed.), Advances in Exercise Adherence. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouchard, C., Shephard, R. J., & Stephens, T. (1994). The Consensus Statement. Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buhler, C. (1935). The curve of life as studied in biographies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 19, 405–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buhler, C., & Massarik, F. (1968). The course of human life. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caspersen, C. J., Merritt, R. K., & Stephens, T. (1994). International physical activity patterns: A methodological perspective. Advances in Exercise Adherence. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Center for Disease Control. (1996). Surgeon General's report on physical activity and health. Atlanta, GA.

  • Cousins, S. (2000). “My heart couldn't take it”: Older women's beliefs about exercise benefits and risks. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 55B (5), 283–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crespo, C. J., Keteyian, S. J., Heath, G. W., & Sempos, C. T. (1996). Leisure-time physical activity among U.S. adults: Results from the third national health and nutrition examination survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 156 (1), 93–96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cross, S., & Markus, H. (1991). Possible selves across the life span. Human Development, 34, 230–255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Bourdeaudhuij, I., & Sallis (2002). Relative contribution of psychosocial variables to the explanation of physical activity in three population-based adult samples. Preventive Medicine, 34, 279–288.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Detweiler, J. B., Bedell, B.T., Salovey, P.; Pronin, E.; & Rothman, A. J. (1999). Message framing and sunscreen use: Gain-framed messages motivate beach-goers. Health Psychology, 18 (2), 189–196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dishman, R. K., & Sallis, J. F. (1994). Determinants and interventions for physical activity and exercise. In C. Bouchard, R. J. Shephard, & T. Stephens (Eds.), Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duda, J. L., & Tappe, M. K. (1988). Predictors of personal investment in physical activity among middle-aged and older adults. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 66, 543–549.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emery, C. F., & Blumenthal, J. A. (1991). Effects of physical exercise on psychological and cognitive functioning of older adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 13 (3), 99–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society. (2nd ed.). New York: W. W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. H. (1985). The life cycle completed. New York: Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gill, K., & Overdorf, V. (1994). Incentives for exercise in younger and older women. Journal of Sport Behavior, 17 (2), 87–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Havighurst, R. J. (1972). Developmental Tasks and Education. (3rd ed.) New York: Longman Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kendzierski, D., & LaMastro, V. D. (1988). Reconsidering the role of attitudes in exercise behavior: A decision theoretical approach. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 18 (9), 737–759.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koslow, R. E. (1988). Age-related reasons for expressed interest in exercise and weight control. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 18 (4), 349–354.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAuley, E. (1994). Physical Activity and Psychosocial Outcomes. In C. Bouchard, R. J. Shephard, & T. Stephens (Eds.), Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, R. (1985). Factor Analysis and related methods. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. (pp 52-62).

    Google Scholar 

  • Monk, A. (1994). Retirement and aging: An introduction to The Columbia retirement handbook. In A. Monk (Ed.), The Columbia retirement handbook. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, A., Dorros, C, Kiel, D. O'Sullivan, P, & Silliman, R. (1995). Preventive health attitudes and practice of elderly persons attending senior centers. Rhode Island Medicine, 78 (4), 115–117.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neugarten, B. L. Moore, J. W., & Lowe J.C. (1965). Age norms, age constraints and adult socialization. American Journal of Sociology, 70 (1), 710–717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newman, B. M., Newman, P. R. (1975). Psychosocial theory. Development through life: A psychosocial approach. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. (pp. 21-52).

  • Nurmi, J.E. (1992). Age differences in adult life goals, concerns and their temporal extension: A life course approach to future-oriented motivation. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 15 (4), 487–508.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plante, T. G., & Rodin, J. (1990). Physical fitness and enhanced psychological health. Current Psychology: Research and Reviews, 9 (1), 3–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Powell, K. E., & Blair, S. N. (1994). The public health burdens of sedentary health habits: Theoretical but realistic estimates. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26, 851–856.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prohaska, T. R., Leventhal, E. A., Leventhal, H., & Keller, M. L. (1985). Health practices and illness cognition in young, middle aged, and elderly adults. Journal of Gerontology, 40 (5), 569–578.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ransford, H. E., & Palisi, B. J. (1996). Aerobic exercise, subjective health, and psychological well-being within age and gender subgroups. Social Science and Medicine, 42 (11), 1555–1559.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scharff, D. P., Homan, S., Kreuter, M., & Brennan, L. (1999). Factors associated with physical activity in women across the life span: Implications for program development. Women & Health, 29 (2), 115–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shephard, R. J. (1994). Determinants of exercise in people aged 65 years and older. In R. K. Dishman (Ed.), Advances in Exercise Adherence. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stephens, T. & Caspersen, C. J. (1994). The demography of physical activity. Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health: International Proceedings and Consensus Statement. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, J. R., Landers, D. M., Salazar, W., & Etnier, J. (1994). Exercise and cognitive function. In C. Bouchard, R. J. Shephard, & T. Stephens (Eds.), Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Bureau of the Census. (1998). Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1998 (118th Edition). Washington, D.C.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. St. Ambrose University, USA

    Kathleen M. Trujillo

  2. Department of Psychology, Chapman University, One University Drive, 92866, Orange, CA

    Ruby R. Brougham

  3. University of Southern California, USA

    David A. Walsh

Authors
  1. Kathleen M. Trujillo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ruby R. Brougham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. David A. Walsh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Trujillo, K.M., Brougham, R.R. & Walsh, D.A. Age differences in reasons for exercising. Curr Psychol 22, 348–367 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-004-1040-z

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-004-1040-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation