Forming Sustainable Physical Activity Programs Among Young Elderly : A Combined ELM & UTAUT Approach

Abstract

There is consensus in health studies that regular physical activities of sufficient intensity and duration contribute to better health both in the short and long term. In an ongoing research program, we focus on getting the young elderly, the 60-75 years age group, to adopt and include physical activities as part of their daily routines. One reason for addressing young elderly is large numbers – in Finland health care costs for the elderly was 3.7 B€ in 2019 and will increase dramatically if the young elderly group is in bad shape when they reach the 75+ age group. We are finding out that systematic physical activities can serve as preventive health care for the young elderly. We are also learning that digital services can be instrumental for building sustainable physical activity programs.