Abstract
Despite the well-documented health benefits of exercise, especially in the elderly population, participation rates in this demographic remain low. Key barriers identified include time constraints, low motivation, and limited knowledge of the importance of exercise. A cross-sectional quantitative and descriptive research design was employed to collect and analyse data for this study. This study aimed to explore these motivators and barriers, with the goal of informing the development of targeted interventions that can effectively enhance exercise participation among the elderly population in Johannesburg. The data utilised in this dissertation were collected through a structured questionnaire (Appendix C) comprising three sections: Section A focused on demographic details; Section B assessed motivators for exercise, adapted from the Motivation for Physical Activity and Exercise/Working Out Questionnaire (RM 4-FM); and Section C addressed barriers to exercise. The study targeted residents of retirement villages and old-age homes in Johannesburg, with participants having a mean age of 75 years (Interquartile range: 70-82). Results showed that lifelong exercise engagement predicted continued activity in older age, with health benefits, enjoyment and personal satisfaction as primary motivators, though time constraints and fatigue persisted as key barriers despite positive attitudes towards physical activity. Following ethical clearance, informed consent and facility permissions procedures (n=190). Permission to access the residents was granted by the management of the respective facilities. Research participants were provided with permission and information letters were attached to questionnaires. Participants were given the option to complete a hard copy of the questionnaire or respond via a secure, anonymous Google Forms link. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (version 32), employing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including frequencies, summary statistics, the chi-square test and cross-tabulations. This enabled the identification of patterns and relationships between variables, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing exercise participation among the elderly population.