An examination of the associations between physical activity barriers, exercise health beliefs, physical fitness, and physical activity levels in adults aged 60+: A case of the Tazelenme University

Objective: This study examined the relationships between physical activity levels, exercise health beliefs, perceived barriers, and physical fitness in individuals aged 60 and over. Method: This cross-sectional, correlational study included 213 older adults from the Refreshment University in Antalya. Data were collected via the Personal Information Form, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Exercise Health Belief Model Scale (ESİMÖ), Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity Scale (FAEÖ), and the Senior Fitness Test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and One-Way ANOVA. Results: The mean physical activity level (PASE Score) of the participants was determined to be 67.30 ± 29.82. A statistically significant, weak negative correlation was found between physical activity level and perceived barriers (r = -0.156, p < .05). Significant positive correlations were observed between the physical activity level and the physical fitness parameters of the chair stand (r = .270, p < .001), arm curl (r = .268, p < .001), 2-minute step (r = .379, p < .001), and chair sit-and-reach (r = .198, p = .004) tests, while a significant negative correlation was observed with the Timed Up and Go test (r = -0.316, p < .05). Conversely, no significant relationship was found between exercise health beliefs and physical activity level (p > .05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the physical activity level of the studied older adult group was low and that perceived barriers and existing functional capacity were more dominant in determining physical activity behavior than positive health beliefs. This indicates that physical activity interventions for older adults should focus not only on providing information but also on overcoming individualized barriers and enhancing functional capacity.