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.
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