Attitudes toward Exercise in Institutions for Elderly Residents

Abstract

Increasing behaviors to promote health, such as exercise, among nursing homes for elderly residents is a widely acknowledged goal (Craig, 1982). Research suggests that behavioral technologies can be useful for increasing exercise in this population (Perkins, Rapp, Carlson, & Wallace, 1986). However, before implementing sometimes elaborate behavioral change programs, it is helpful to assess the staff's and residents’ attitudes toward the proposed change. The present study followed a small-scale pilot project that increased stationary bike riding by 74 percent for 8 nursing home residents. Before attempting a large-scale intervention, however, the authors decided to evaluate the staff's and residents’ attitudes toward the exercise.