Benefits of, and Barriers to, Moderate Physical Activity Across Stages of Change in Older German Family Caregivers

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the benefits of, and barriers to, moderate physical activity across stages of change in a sample of 103 caregivers in Germany, aged 50 years and older (Mage = 63.95 years, SD = 9.39, age range 50 – 83 years, 82.5 % female). The exploratory factor analysis yielded a two-factor structure encompassing perceived benefits and barriers. While both perceived benefits and barriers were significantly related to stages of change with regard to levels of activity, perceived benefits showed a stronger positive relationship. Thus, interventions that promote moderate physical activity in older family caregivers should consider strategies that maximize the perceived advantages of activity rather than refuting the disadvantages.