FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE PHYSICAL FITNESS PARTICIPATION IN OLDER ADULTS IN A METROPOLITAN COUNTY

Amelia Joy Alameno1, Trudy Moore-Harrison1, L. Jerome Bradon, FACSM2. 1University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC. 2Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. BACKGROUND: Around 10% of deaths among adults ages 40-69 and 7.8% of deaths among adults ages 70 and older are attributed to physical inactivity as only 28-34% of adults ages 65-74 are physically active. (CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2020). Considering these statistics, A local county parks and recreation centers connected with a local university that offer senior fitness classes decided to determine factors that influence participants physical activity commitment. METHODS: The participants were 150 volunteers, ≥ 65 years and had participated in fitness classes recreation center for six months or more. Participants completed a consent form and completed a modified version of Group Health Clinics in Kings County, Washington (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4453303/) questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire consisted of eight questions and a selected summary is shared below. 1. When considering your daily tasks how important is physical activity? Response 140 stated especially important. 2. What can your program do to support you to do more physical activity? 135 stated to continue and add classes. 3. How often do you attend fitness classes at this facility? 107 of the older adults stated ≥ 3 days a week. 4. Would you be interested in using technology within your classes? 76 stated yes and 61 said no. 5. Giving a choice would you desire a physical activity class only or a more comprehensive class (i.e... Nutrition, wellness, and healthy aging)? 122 of the participants stated a comprehensive program. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that the participants, value physical activity, enjoy and are committed to class participation three or more days a week and would prefer a class that include overall wellness as opposed to a physical activity class only. The results from this survey are only for older participants in this community but provide a protocol that may be of value in helping other communities determine fitness needs of their older adults