Table 1 Characteristics of the qualitative studies

Arkenford 2006 [27]

UK, community setting

To get a better understanding of facilitators of and barriers to sports participation in the recently retired

21 groups of 6-8 participants each, men and women aged 50-75

Focus groups

Thematic analysis

Beck et al. 2010 [28]

UK, community setting

To explore changes in PA behaviour in retirement using the perspective of self-determination theory

7 women and 4 men aged 57-65

In-depth interviews

Thematic analysis

Scanlon-Mogel & Roberto 2004 [29]

USA, members of a fitness centre

To explore life transitions and trajectories that encourage or hinder PA in older adults using a life course perspective

6 women and 9 men aged 65-75

In-depth interviews

Qualitative inquiry method (as defined by authors)

Strobl et al 2008 [30]

Germany, members of a fitness centre

To explore the role of PA in coping with the challenges of the transition to retirement

4 women and 6 men aged 59-69

In-depth interviews

Content analysis

Witcher 2007 [31]

Fogo Island, Canada, community setting

To explore older adults’ perceptions of recreational PA across their life course

5 women and 5 men aged 70-94

In-depth interviews

Inductive analysis