Title: Motivation Of People Age 40-50 To Engage In Exercise
Authors: Emir Bunar, Dalibor Fulurija
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Pages: 1-13
Publication Date: 2026/04/28
Abstract:
Middle age (40-50 years) is a period in which significant physiological and psychosocial changes occur that directly affect motivation to engage in physical exercise. The aim of this study was to examine motivational factors and barriers to engaging in physical exercise in adults aged 40 to 50 years, and to determine differences with respect to gender, employment status, and frequency of exercise. The study was conducted on a convenience sample of 60 respondents of both sexes from the Sarajevo area and its surroundings, using a questionnaire with a Likert rating scale (1-5). The questionnaire included five motivation subscales (physical appearance, health, psychological reasons, social reasons, and intrinsic motivation) and four categories of barriers. The results of descriptive statistics showed that the dominant motivators were psychological well-being - especially increased self-confidence (M = 4.00) - and internalization of exercise as a lifestyle (M = 3.83). Inferential analysis showed that health is a significant motivational factor without differences according to gender, but with a statistically significant difference according to work status for fear of illness (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the age subgroups either in psychological/social motives or in the perception of obstacles. Active subjects showed a statistically significantly higher level of internal motivation based on enjoyment of exercise compared to inactive subjects (p = .011). The findings suggest that exercise programs intended for this population should be aimed at strengthening psychological well-being and building exercise as a permanent lifestyle.