Half of the rural physicians viewed their roles as educational in terms of exercise counseling. In addition, 42% saw themselves in a support/advocate role. All the physicians said that they stress the frequency of exercise, and 83% said that they stress duration. The physicians noted that 75% of their older patients cited lack of time as a perceived barrier to exercise, and 42% cited joint pain as a barrier.
Rural patients also cited weather as a barrier—they didn't want to walk outside in winter due to icy walks and fear of falling, and any exercise facilities were far away and expensive.
Physicians should know that their senior patients take them seriously. Older adults are receptive to exercise counseling if it is presented in a caring and empathetic way, with attention to racial and gender preferences, according to the presenters.