Motivations for Continuing Exercise among the Elderly in the Community:

Benefits of Towel Toe-Curls and Reasons for Continuing Exercise

Abstract

　A continuation study（ October 2021） was conducted among the elderly who had incorporated towel toe-curls into their daily activities for one year from March 2018. 　Of the 47 participants （mean age 69.83 ± 4.50 years）, 25 continued （the "Continuation Group"） and 22 discontinued training （the "Non-continuation Group"）. The continuation group displayed significant increases in toe pressure, the foot arch ratio, and reach in the Functional Reach Test, suggesting it contributed to preventing falls. Participant responses toward reasons for continuing the exercises included the pursuit of self-improvement, such as" for health" and" for my own benefit," as well as for other reasons, such as" my family and friends praise me for continuing." The reasons for discontinuing were loss of instructors or someone who cared about them, with responses "I can't continue alone," and lack of interest in training, with responses "Training is too hard” and "I'm busy with work and caring for my family." The results suggest that emotional support and simpler activities may motivate people to proactively engage in exercise.