Promoting Lifespan Physical Activity Using Different Communication Strategies

Research aims to understand the influence of health messages dichotomized as gain or loss (i.e., benefits of physical activity [PA] vs. the consequences of physical inactivity). This is the first study to investigate the influence of such messages in the context of aging-related risk. A randomized experimental survey design was used to answer these research questions: a) which message frame is optimal for eliciting PA intentions in varying levels of risk?; b) how do risk and framed health messages influence aging perception outcomes?; and c) what demographic factors influence this relationship? Findings indicated the manipulations did not alter current PA intentions but did alter future PA intentions. High-risk, loss-framed messages resulted in greater future PA intentions yet increased aging anxiety. Results do not conclusively support an optimal combination of risk and message frame manipulation but outline conflicting outcomes between motivating lifespan PA and reinforcing negative aging PA attitudes.