These personal testimonials to researchers at the University of Alberta and the University of Waterloo reveal a great deal about what motivates people to participate in physical activity. Yet a large part of motivation has to do with our beliefs surrounding physical activity. Do we believe we have the ability to do a given activity? Do we believe others around us think physical activity is important? Do we believe physical activity would make a difference to our health and happiness?

Belief in abilities
Older adults are more likely to try an activity and stick with it if they have confidence in their skills and physical capabilities. Yet many older people are unsure of what it takes to be active. For instance, a lot of people believe they must be a capable swimmer to join an aquatics class, even though all that may be required is the ability to stand in shallow water.

Tip Self-confidence can be enhanced by trying easy activities first. It is also useful to pursue a variety of physical activities: those that require specific skills, such as golfing, and those that require general fitness skills, such as walking and climbing stairs.

Others' attitudes
Older adults who feel encouraged by others to be active have a strong motivation to participate. Those who believe that their physicians would approve, that their families would encourage physical activity or do it with them, and that their friends would act as companions are more likely to be active and stay active.

Tip One excellent way to enlist support is to make new friends by participating in physical activity. They can understand and support our efforts to stay active.

Own attitude
Whether we think physical activity has positive or negative outcomes greatly affects our physical activity habits. Older people who believe that exercise has few benefits tend to believe that the potential for discomfort and personal harm is high. They judge physical activity overall as not worth it for them.

Tip It is important to realize that different activities provide different benefits. For example, activities where the weight is shifted from one leg to the other, such as walking, curling or dancing, are essential for the prevention of osteoporosis. Yoga-type activity is suited to joint flexibility. Tai Chi improves balance.

Hearing about these benefits may be encouraging but the best possible encouragement you can get is first hand experience. So go out and experience how physical activity can make you feel better, look better and be better and perhaps turn you into a believer!