Motivation is defined as the forces acting on or within a
person to initiate a behavior.22 This definition provides a framework
that includes both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Understanding
motivation as more than an inert part of an individual’s
personality may strengthen care providers’ efforts to
motivate their elderly patients and can provide elderly persons
with the tools to empower themselves to become self-directed
about exercise participation. Multiple motivational models
have been developed in the literature, speaking to the complexity
of the task of motivating people to exercise. Although
research suggests motivational factors that are amenable to
intervention, no consensus has emerged regarding a theoretical
framework for activity promotion research or practice.23