Table 2.

Themes and categories derived from the exploration of older adults’ goal setting outcomes for engaging in a physical activity intervention.

	Improve or stay healthy	Improve or stay physically active or fit	Functional aspects of physical health	Sustaining mental wellbeing	Prevent disease & ageing deterioration	Do the things I want to do
General maintenance	Remain in good health	Maintain fitness/ physical activity		Maintain mental health	Prevent disease and age related decline
Specific maintenance	Live long with a good quality of life		Maintain tone/ strength/ balance/ flexibility	Maintain a positive attitude	Prevent dementia and osteoporosis	Continue doing the specific activities I like doing
General Improvement	Improve health	Increase physical activity / fitness		Feel better and more effective	Cope with and recover from disease
Specific improvements			Improve tone/ balance/ flexibility sleep, weight control /energy levels	Reduce stress cognitive decline	Reduce the risk of falls and frailty	Get fit for trekking, skiing