Formative research to guide the development of theory-based persuasive messages linking physical and cognitive health for older adults

Background. Cognitive decline is a serious public health issue. Messages promoting physical activity to maintain cognitive health may be a useful way to increase physical activity and enhance cognitive health among older persons.;Purpose & Methods. During Phase I of the study, a content analysis was conducted to examine print messages linking physical activity and cognitive health from 42,753 pages from 537 issues of five top-circulating magazines targeting largely, or exclusively, older adults published in 2006-2008. During Phase II of the study, 10 focus groups were conducted to examine the physical activity and cognitive health-knowledge and perceptions of community dwelling, Black and White older adults, age 65-74, who had not been diagnosed as cognitively impaired by a physician and were not regularly active. Participants’ recommendations for future messages linking physical activity and cognitive health were also examined in Phase II.;Results. Phase I. Twenty-six articles that mentioned an association between physical activity and cognitive health were identified. Scientific studies were described in 46.2% of the articles. An explanation for the association between physical activity and cognitive health was provided in 57.7% of articles. The explanations provided in the articles were compared to explanations in the scientific literature; the explanations presented in the articles were consistent with empirical evidence. Recommendations for physical activity were presented in 80.8% of articles; these recommendations varied greatly (90-300 minutes per week). The prevalence of cognitive decline was discussed in 19% of articles; 27% mentioned that some degree of cognitive decline is normal with age. Memory was mentioned in 38.5% of articles; only 15.4% of articles described characteristics of cognitive decline other than memory loss. The majority of illustrations were of White persons (81.0%); ethnicity was not mentioned in the text. Phase II. Most participants perceived cognitive decline as a severe threat and reported feeling susceptible to cognitive decline. Most participants recognized the link between physical activity and cognitive health; several White men said the association was not clear. When asked how much physical activity is needed to achieve cognitive health benefits, participants suggested a wide range of physical activity frequencies and durations. Many participants were hesitant to suggest a specific physical activity frequency or duration as “people have different capabilities.” Participants suggested empirical evidence of the benefits of physical activity for cognitive health be included in messages, while fear-based messages be avoided. Participants suggested messages be paired with interventions incorporating social support as a way to increase their confidence in their ability to engage in regular physical activity.;Conclusions. Results of the content analysis suggest an opportunity for greater coverage about the role of physical activity in promoting cognitive health in communication targeted toward older adults. Content would benefit from including text and illustrations culturally appropriate to multiple racial/ethnic groups and recommendations consistent with the U.S. guidelines for physical activity. Health professionals interested in promoting physical activity and cognitive health should consider the focus group participants’ recommendations for future messages.