“Moving Forward”: Older Adult Motivations for Group-Based Physical Activity After Cancer Treatment

• Published in: International journal of behavioral medicine Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 286 - 298
• Main Authors: Lynch, Kathleen A., Merdjanoff, Alexis, Wilson, Donna, Chiarello, Lauren, Hay, Jennifer, Mao, Jun J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.06.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aged; Cancer; Cancer Survivors; Cancer therapies; Exercise; Family Medicine; Full Length Manuscript; General Practice; Grounded theory; Health Psychology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Motivation; Neoplasms - therapy; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Physical training; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Survival; United States > US; Physical activity; Motivation; Qualitative; Survivorship; Older adult; Cancer
• ISSN: 1070-5503; 1532-7558
• DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10018-w

Background Engagement in physical activity (PA) post-treatment can improve health outcomes and quality of life among cancer survivors. The purpose of this study is to explore United States (US) older adult cancer survivors’ (OACS) reasons for engaging in group-based PA classes, to identify themes supporting exercise motivations in the context of cancer recovery. Methods OACS participating in a fitness program at a large US comprehensive cancer center completed semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using modified grounded theory, and demographic data were analyzed descriptively. Results Modified grounded theory analysis ( n  = 25; age M  = 70.92, SD = 10.82; 9 cancer types) identified individual rationales for exercise grounded in collective experience. Participants’ internal motivations for PA are shaped by the desire for control over an uncertain future and post-treatment body, obtained by literally “moving forward” post-cancer; this is supported by external motivations for social connections that present a positive model of survivorship, within a setting that instills confidence and safety. Conclusions Exercise can be a way for older adults to tap into internal and external motivations that support cancer survivorship. Interventions that make explicit connections between exercise and cancer recovery, facilitate interpersonal interaction, and promote a sense of safety may be the most effective. The concepts identified in this study can inform the development of future interventions to improve long-term behavior change among OACS and evaluate existing PA programs.