What motivates women in midlife to get active? Participant insights from the Active Women over 50 trial

Introduction:

Fall‑prevention typically targets older adults, but midlife may be a crucial window for early intervention. Regular physical activity lowers fall risk, yet many women in midlife encounter significant barriers to staying active. Providing targeted support could help increase participation. The MRFF-funded Active Women over 50 trial (N=1000) is testing a remotely-delivered program to support physical activity participation in women aged 50+ across NSW, Australia. This report explores participant motivations for enrolling in the trial in the context of fall prevention.

Method:

Baseline data were extracted from participants enrolled in the first 15 months of the Active Women over 50 trial (ACTRN12624000026527). Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarise participants’ demographic profile, physical activity, falls history, self-rated balance, fear of falling, health. Participant motivations for enrolling in the trial were summarised categorically, and physical activity goals were coded using the ProFaNE taxonomy.

Results:

733 women (mean age 61, SD 7.6) enrolled in the trial in the first 15 months. Falls in the past 12 months were reported by 22% of women with 17% of falls resulting in fracture. Fallers were more likely to rate their balance as fair/poor (32%) and had extreme/quite a lot of fear of falling (11%) compared to non-fallers (14% and 1%, respectively). The most common reason for trial enrolment was for motivation, support and to improve overall health and fitness. There were no differences between fallers/non-fallers for demographics, self-rated health, past or current physical activity, days/week doing balance and functional exercises, and the type of goals set. 

Conclusion:

Women who signed up for the Active Women over 50 program have low participation in balance and functional exercises. Women aged 50+ are having injurious falls and exhibit fall-related risk factors such as low self-rated balance and fear of falling. Fall prevention messages need to include this age group.