Center for Excellence in Assisted Living CEAL@UNC

Advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy.

Journal of Aging and Health

Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Using the Social Ecological Model

Dec 1, 2025
Objective: To ascertain the barriers and facilitators to physical activity (PA) for older adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), from the perspective of residents, staff, and family.Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review, underpinned by the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Five databases were searched from inception to May 2024. Data synthesis followed a convergent integrated approach, […]

Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Using the Social Ecological Model

by Lea Efird-Green

Objective: To ascertain the barriers and facilitators to physical activity (PA) for older adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), from the perspective of residents, staff, and family.Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review, underpinned by the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Five databases were searched from inception to May 2024. Data synthesis followed a convergent integrated approach, […]

Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Using the Social Ecological Model

Nov 1, 2024
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined 67 studies to understand barriers and facilitators to physical exercise for older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Out of those studies, 51 themes emerged (27 facilitators and 24 barriers), with intrapersonal factors being the most commonly cited barrier, and interpersonal factors being the most commonly cited facilitator, meaning that a multilevel approach is likely needed to address physical activity in residential care.

Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Using the Social Ecological Model

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined 67 studies to understand barriers and facilitators to physical exercise for older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Out of those studies, 51 themes emerged (27 facilitators and 24 barriers), with intrapersonal factors being the most commonly cited barrier, and interpersonal factors being the most commonly cited facilitator, meaning that a multilevel approach is likely needed to address physical activity in residential care.