Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Exercise, and Older Adults' Quality of Life

This study examined health-related quality of life (HRQL) at baseline and 6, 9, and 12 months after initiating exercise training in three groups of older adults. The conditions were cognitive-behavioral therapy, attention-control health promotion education, and a control group. Participants (N = 332) were mainly women (n = 252, 75.9%) with a mean age of 71.8 (SD = 5.1) years. Therapy participants were trained to modify their negative interpretations of exercise. Participants in the education group received information unrelated to exercise. After controlling for exercise behavior over time, the therapy group reported lower general health, more role limitations because of emotional problems, and somewhat less vitality than the control group did. The education group also reported lower general health and vitality than the control group did. Social interaction and discussion may heighten participants' awareness of these health aspects and influence their appraisal of HRQL. Findings demonstrate the complexities of HRQL and the challenge in developing effective methods for helping older adults adopt and maintain an active lifestyle.