The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the reasons why older adults begin attending SilverSneakers exercise program and why they continue to participate. Participants completed a survey (104 complete surveys). Initial attendance was mainly due to SilverSneakers being a health insurance benefit or hearing from a friend, with a lower percentage hearing from a health care provider. Factors that encouraged ongoing attendance included the level of programming, liking the instructor, and working out with peers. Statistically significant relationships were found between long-term adherence and a desire to promote fitness (p = .024) and social aspects of SilverSneakers (p < .01). These insights can be of value when planning outreach to older adults, as well as to promote retention, with physical activity programming.

这项探索性研究的目的是确定老年人开始参加 SilverSneakers 锻炼计划的原因以及他们继续参加的原因。参与者完成了一项调查（104 项完整调查）。最初出席的主要原因是 SilverSneakers 是一项健康保险福利或从朋友那里听到的，而从医疗保健提供者那里听到的百分比较低。鼓励持续参与的因素包括编程水平、喜欢讲师以及与同伴一起锻炼。在长期坚持和促进健身的愿望 ( p  = .024) 与 SilverSneakers 的社会方面 ( p <.01). 这些见解在规划面向老年人的外展以及通过体育活动计划促进保留时可能很有价值。