Table 3 Analysis process regarding three overarching themes

Themes

Building body capital for independence

Building body capital to maintain vitality and be in control

Building body capital for social interaction

Codes/subthemes

Everyday challenges

Health management

Views on future

Lifelong habits

Compensating ageing related changes

Feeling power and strength

Improved self-esteem

Health promoting habits

Increased social activity

Positive feedback

Sense of safety

Stamina

Illustrative quotes

The exercise gives me an experience of connection between body and mind. It helps to reduce unease and sadness. It improves self-esteem and attention. I think the training contributes to good health and maintenance of it. I find that I am able to do things that are important to me.

The body carries me through everyday life and allows me to have many nice experiences. Obviously, the feelings of resignation may take over sometimes, but there is much to gain from being conscious on challenging the body, being aware of posture and facial expressions. I think I’d say it’s sometimes about saying to yourself “up with your chin.” It’s an old experience. A straight body posture gives you a more energetic experience.

I get a lot of praise for it, not least from those who do not know that I am exercising, but who guess that I’m engaged in something. It’s nice, I actually like very much being visible [laughs].

By feeling physically strong through the exercise, the women also gained a sense of safety and could easily engage in social activities.