Conflating Time and Energy: Views from Older Adults in Lower Socioeconomic Status Areas on Physical Activity

Perceptions of time and energy and their role in physical activity engagement were examined in older adults living in lower SES areas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants aged 67-94 years. A thematic framework analysis identified four themes: Time is Energy (older adults conflate time and energy in relation to physical activity); Reduced Day (engaging in activities outside a certain timeframe is deemed unacceptable); Being Given Enough Time (need for time to socialise and go at own pace); and Seasonal Impact (seasonal differences affecting access). Enjoyment appears to mitigate the perceived energy drain and increase the capacity for physical activities for many. Conflation of time and energy may explain observed discrepancies between older adults’ actual and perceived available time. Having locally-based physical activities means less time/energy is required to attend, leaving more resources for physical activity itself. A limited availability of resources in lower SES areas is therefore problematic.