Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40601367›Full record

ReviewAge and ageing2025

Motivation, psychological needs and physical activity in older adults: a qualitative review.

Tommaso Palombi, Andrea Chirico, Barbara Cazzolli, Michele Zacchilli, Guido Alessandri, Lorenzo Filosa, Anna Borghi, Chiara Fini, Chiara Antoniucci, Jessica Pistella and 3 more

Abstract readReview
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Age and ageing, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
13citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

13 citing papers in PubMed.

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  3. Similar exercise adherence and physical fitness outcomes are observed across distinct motivation profiles in older adults participating in a home-based structured exercise programme.European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Tommaso PalombiDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-7548-3949
Andrea ChiricoDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Barbara CazzolliDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Michele ZacchilliDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Guido AlessandriDepartment of Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Lorenzo FilosaDepartment of Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Anna BorghiDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Chiara FiniDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Chiara AntoniucciDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Jessica PistellaDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Fabio AliverniniDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Roberto BaioccoDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Fabio LucidiDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDespite the well-documented health benefits of Physical Activity (PA), older adults often struggle to engage in PA. The present review examines the relationship between PA, motivation and basic psychological needs among older adults aged 65 and over, through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT).

methodsRelevant studies that used qualitative methodologies and applied SDT framework were systematically searched in five electronic databases (i.e. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL). Methodological rigour was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research).

results21 studies met inclusion criteria (N = 412; ages 65-97). Four themes and nine subthemes were identified. Peer relationships emerged as a pivotal element in supporting most autonomous forms of motivation and satisfying psychological needs (i.e. autonomy, competence and relatedness). A peer coach was preferred during several health programs, enhancing competence and relatedness. Outdoor activities in natural settings promoted intrinsic motivation, while indoor activities were driven more by extrinsic motivation. Barriers included ageist stereotypes and perceptions of inevitable physical decline, which negatively impacted competence and autonomy, ultimately reducing motivation for PA.

conclusionsThis qualitative synthesis highlights a complex interplay of SDT components and social factors in influencing PA behaviours among older adults. Tailored interventions that integrate social interaction, provide feedback from coaches and offer choices among several exercises with graduate intensity levels are likely to enhance adherence in PA. Future interventions should address both psychological and social barriers to create inclusive PA strategies that meet older adults' needs and motivation.

Indexed as

AgingExerciseMotivationAgedAged, 80 and overAge FactorsFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansMalePeer GroupPersonal AutonomyQualitative Researchmotivationolder peoplephysical activitypsychological needsqualitative reviewself-determination theory

Identifiers

PMID40601367
PMCPMC12218189

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.