Typologies of Greek inactive older adults based on reasons for abstaining from exercise and conditions for change

The main purpose of the study was to examine typologies of non-exercisers based on reasons for physical inactivity and conditions reported to be necessary to change exercise behaviour. These typologies were then compared on psychological variables of interest and exercise history. Questionnaires were distributed to Greek older adults aged 60 and above who were recruited from social clubs and city cafés. Only individuals engaging in no regular exercise were chosen (N = 188). The results of hierarchical and k-means cluster analyses revealed two clusters for males (“approachable” and “unconvinced”), and three for females (“unconcerned”, “approachable”, and “unconvinced”). The clusters differed significantly on psychological variables not used in the cluster solution. Exercise history distinguished between clusters only in the male sample. The results reveal that physically inactive older adults are not a homogeneous group of individuals. Implementers of physical activity interventions should probably use a range of strategies that will take into consideration that some sedentary older adults are more amenable to consider taking up exercise than others.