Reasons for adhering to adapted physical activity among seniors with heart disease

In a context of ageing populations and increasing prevalence of chronic illness, adapted physical activity (APA) has emerged as a means of healthcare. However, the effectiveness of APA depends on participants’ adherence. This article considers the reasons behind engagement and disengagement of seniors in an APA program adapted to cardiovascular disease in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of France. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty-three seniors currently participating or having participated in the program. The results show motivations that differ between the phases of initiation and maintenance; it seems that while one signs up for “health” reasons, one stays for “social” ones. The objective of “health” appeared as a main reason for initiating the program, yet the social context, the absence of competition, the lack of judgement, and the context of benevolence and security as ensured by the different coaches were considered as important factors for adhering to the program.