Acting One's Age in Physical Exercise: Do Perceived Age Norms Explain Autonomous Motivation Among Older Adults?

Background: The social identity approach proposes that the more older adults identify with the social group of "older adults," the more they will conform to what they perceive as being normative exercising for their group. However, so far, it remains unclear why older adults adhere to these norms.

Objective: This study evaluated whether perceived exercise norms are associated with higher levels of autonomous motivation according to the self-determination theory and actual exercise participation.

The effect of descriptive age norms on the motivation to exercise among older adults.

Based on the principles of the Social Identity Approach (SIA), the present experiment aimed to examine the impact of communicating descriptive age norms on older adults' autonomous motivation to exercise. Under the cover of a marketing study, older adults (n = 120; age = 65-70 years) participated in a newly created exercise activity, 'Pattern Stepping'. This activity was framed as an activity that was descriptively normative either for older adults, for younger adults, for both groups, or for none.

Ergometer-cycling with strict versus minimal contact supervision among the oldest adults: A cluster-randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and short- and long-term effects of two 10-wk structured ergometer-cycling programs among elderly in assisted-living residences.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Eight assisted-living residences (N=95; age=81.2±5.

Is knee extension strength a better predictor of functional performance than handgrip strength among older adults in three different settings?

Background: The first purpose was to examine whether knee extension strength is a better predictor of functional performance than handgrip strength among older adults (≥60 years). The second purpose was to identify functionally relevant cut-off values for muscle strength.

Methods: 770 community-dwelling older adults, 104 older adults living in assisted living facilities and 73 nursing home residents were included.

"Every step counts!": effects of a structured walking intervention in a community-based senior organization.

This study evaluated "Every Step Counts!"- a 10-wk, structured walking intervention in a community-based senior organization - on promoting physical activity participation, fitness, and well-being among older adults (age ≥ 55 yr). The intervention prescribed pedometer-defined walks in weekly walking schedules. These were fitness-tailored and structured in walking load (intensity/volume) according to the principles of training progression.