An Emergent Theoretical Model for Interventions Encouraging Physical Activity (Mall Walking) Among Older Adults
- 1 March 1995
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Applied Gerontology
- Vol. 14 (1) , 64-77
- https://doi.org/10.1177/073346489501400105
Abstract
The meaning of and motivations for mall walking among older adults over the age of 60 are explored based on the findings of a qualitative study of mall walkers at a single site. Findings suggest that elements of three extant theoretical frameworks are relevant for promoting physical activity in this age group: (a) symbolic interactionism, (b) social cognitive theory, and (c) social breakdown and competence. This article proposes a synthesis of certain aspects of these three theoretical orientations into a theoretical model for interventions encouraging a popular type of unsupervised physical activity, mall walking, among independent, community-dwelling older adults.Keywords
This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit:
- Customary Physical Activity, Psychological Well-being and Successful AgeingAgeing and Society, 1991
- Social action theory for a public health psychology.American Psychologist, 1991
- Social learning correlates of exercise self-efficacy: Early experiences with physical activitySocial Science & Medicine, 1990
- Determinants of health-promoting lifestyle in ambulatory cancer patientsSocial Science & Medicine, 1990
- Identifying correlates of walking for exercise: An epidemiologic prerequisite for physical activity promotionPreventive Medicine, 1989
- Social Breakdown and CompetenceHuman Development, 1973