With regard to age, although the mean values found for
competition were comparatively lower than the remaining
motivational factors, university students aged < 20 years
attributed a significantly higher importance to this factor
than others aged > 30 years, thus confirming the typical
predisposition of younger individuals to face challenges and
test their personal competence (Yan & Mccullagh, 2004).
University students aged > 30 years reported they were significantly
more motivated to exercise for reasons associated
with disease prevention, body weight management and
health rehabilitation than younger students. Similar results
were identified in previous studies (Andrade Bastos et al.,
2011; Brunet & Sabiston, 2011; Netz & Raviv, 2004) and they
can be justified by the concern for health inherent in the
advance of age.