AN EMERGENT THEORETICAL-MODEL FOR INTERVENTIONS ENCOURAGING PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY (MALL WALKING) AMONG OLDER ADULTS

The meaning of and motivations for mall walking among older adults over the age of 60 are explored based on the findings of a qualitative study of mall walkers at a single site. Findings suggest that elements of three extant theoretical frameworks are relevant for promoting physical activity in this age group: (a) symbolic interactionism, (b) social cognitive theory, and (c) social breakdown and competence. This article proposes a synthesis of certain aspects of these three theoretical orientations into a theoretical model for interventions encouraging a popular type of unsupervised physical activity, mall walking, among independent, community-dwelling older adults.