This study prioritized determinants within the “personal
characteristics” category that are most important
when designing an exercise plan for older adults. Expert
health professionals identified biomedical status, past
exercise participation, and education, in order of decreasing
priority, as most important during the initiation
phase. During the adherence phase, the most important
determinants were prioritized as biomedical status, then
past exercise participation, and finally, SES. These findings
suggest that healthier older adults who have a history
of exercise are more likely to start and maintain an
exercise plan. Additionally, educating older adults on the
benefits of exercise increases the likelihood of them initiating
and adhering to an exercise prescription. Older
adults, in conjunction with their healthcare professional,
should identify strategies that can remove barriers to
exercise and create incentives to optimize the habit of
regular exercise in their lifestyle.