Physical Exercise in Chinese Older Adults: A Transtheoretical Model

Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This study identifies significant correlates of exercise behavior among Hong Kong Chinese older adults under the transtheoretical model. The data came from a survey of a representative community sample of 425 elderly respondents in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that perceived benefits of exercise and self-efficacy for exercise were related significantly to exercise behavior, and their effects on exercise were mediated completely through the stages of changes in exercise. Although perceived barriers to exercise are significantly and negatively associated with exercise behavior, this relationship disappeared in multiple regression analysis after controlling demographic and several health-related variables. Findings suggest that perceived benefits and self-efficacy on exercise should be strengthened to motivate older adults to engage in a more active lifestyle.