BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION IN OLDER ADULTS: A TURKİYE-USA COMPARISON

Introduction: Although physical activity is a key component of healthy aging, engagement levels among older adults are influenced by sociocultural, economic, and environmental factors that vary across countries. This study aimed to compare these barriers and facilitators of physical activity participation among American and Turkish older adults. Materials and Method: Data were collected from 128 older adults (64 per country), aged >= 65 years and older, through structured interviews and surveys conducted in parks and senior activity centers in Turkiye, and Florida, United States. The San Diego Health and Exercise Questionnaire and the Structured Interview Questions on Physical Activity Participation Factors were utilized to assess participation patterns and influencing factors. A mixed-methods research design was employed; qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using content analysis, and cross-country differences in questionnaire responses were assessed using the chi-squared test. Results: Turkish participants reported significantly higher psychological (chi(2) =15.7-42.5, p<0.001), individual (chi(2)=3.9-8.4, p<0.05), social (chi(2)=20.2-52.5, p<0.001) and environmental (chi(2)=27.2-34.2, p<0.001) barriers compared to their American older adults. Structured interviews result further showed that social pressure (chi(2)= 8.5-39.2, p<0.001), gender influence (chi(2)=7.3-66.0, p<0.05) had more pronounced effects on Turkish older adults. Additionally, Turkish participants reported limited access to exercise facilities and insufficient support(p<0.05). Conclusion: Older adults in Turkiye face more pronounced sociocultural and infrastructural barriers to physical activity compared with their counterparts in the United States. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive reforms in education, economic investment, and cultural awareness. Without targeted and sustainable interventions, opportunities for active aging will remain limited. Culturally informed strategies are essential to promote equitable access to physical activity and to enhance the overall health and well-being of older adults in Turkiye.