Enablers and barriers to maintaining physical activity after a vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity intervention in adults transitioning to retirement

Abstract

Over half of Australians aged ⩾ 55 years do not engage in sufficient physical activity (PA). Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA; daily activities performed at vigorous intensity) presents new opportunities to facilitate PA behaviour change amongst this population. This study aimed to explore enablers and barriers to maintaining PA in adults transitioning to retirement after a VILPA intervention, crucial for informing future interventions that extend beyond the initial uptake. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who had completed the VILPA intervention. Inductive content analysis was performed. All participants reported continuing to participate in regular PA 6 months after the intervention. Participants reported that enablers of PA maintenance were related to knowledge gained from the VILPA intervention, associated health benefits, supportive environments, time flexibility, goal setting, and habit formation. Barriers were reported to be illnesses, perceived lack of time, environmental constraints, views of ageing, and experiences of low mood.