When it comes to staying motivated to exercise, finding the right approach can be a challenge. But new research suggests that the key to long-term exercise engagement might lie in the “who” instead of the “how” or “why.” Specifically, a socially-connected approach to exercise has been found to significantly improve motivation and maintain activity levels.
Exercise is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall well-being, especially in later life. However, fewer than 35 percent of Australians over the age of 65 meet the recommended weekly exercise guidelines. For those struggling with exercise motivation in their senior years, a recent study reveals that social exercise could be the solution.
The study involved over 300 participants aged 70 and older who were not meeting national physical activity guidelines. They were divided into two groups: one group focused on self-motivation strategies such as goal-setting and self-tracking, while the other group engaged in group discussions about exercise, sharing motivations, strategies, and knowledge.
The results were striking. The socially-connected group increased their daily activity by 20-30 minutes and maintained this level for a year, while the self-motivated group became less active after an initial exercise course. Simply sharing experiences, motivations, and knowledge about physical activity was enough to keep participants engaged in exercise even a year after the study ended.
The social approach to exercise taps into the power of human connections. The social facilitation theory suggests that when people do something with others, they often put more effort into it. The sense of accountability and friendly competition within a group can drive greater engagement in physical activity.
Beyond the benefits of exercise itself, group-based exercise also improves social connectedness, treating or preventing social isolation and loneliness. This leads to enhanced psychological well-being and overall quality of life.
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