Exercise Environment Important for Older Adults

An AP article has highlighted a recent research study that found that older adults (in their 60s & 70s) prefer to exercise alone or with others their age and ability levels -- rather than with young hard bodies clad in Spandex.

The researcher, Mark Beauchamp, was quoted as saying: "All this study highlights is older adults can exercise in environments that are socially supportive." Beauchamp's study will appear in the April issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

From this research, RTs should take away the understanding of the importance of the environment in motivating older adults to exercise.