Research method issue: recruiting and retaining subjects in a research study.

This article considers recruitment and retention of study subjects, two vital elements of the research process. Using as an example a Canadian programme to engage older people in physical activity Philippe Voyer, Sylvie Lauzon, Johanne Collin and Sandy O'Brien Cousins describe how these twin challenges can be addressed.

A self-referent thinking model: how older adults may talk themselves out of being physically active.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to ground current theory on exercise behavior with authentic voices of older adults as they thought about physical activity. Aged 55 to 92, 41 adults of various activity levels provided interviews with regard to personal experiences, health issues, and motivation for active lifestyles. Key constructs from four contemporary health behaviour theories were integrated into a decisional balance template.