Older Adults' Perspectives on Adopting and Maintaining Long-Term Physical Activity as a Serious Leisure Interest and Their Experiences with Aging

Abstract

The existing literature suggests that long-term involvement in physical activity (PA) in the later years can support the health and wellbeing of older adults. However, a more detailed understanding of what influences older adults to initiate and maintain PA over a prolonged period of time would be beneficial. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the relationship between commitment to physical activity and aging. Specifically, the objectives of this dissertation are threefold: (1) To identify factors influencing older adults to adopt PA earlier in life, that may have shaped their behavior in the later years; (2) To examine factors associated with maintaining long-term involvement in PA as a serious leisure interest after age 50; and (3) To determine the effects of long-term involvement in PA on older adults’ perceptions of wellbeing. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 participants (8 females and 22 males; aged 50-78 years; Mean = 60.5) who have been continuously physically active for the past 10 years, or more. Results found that the most significant predictor to later involvement in PA after age 50 was high participation early in life, particularly from childhood to late adolescence or early adulthood. Further, the analysis revealed three types of older exercisers with varying degrees of seriousness or commitment (Stebbins, 1992) about their physical activity regimen—high, moderate, and low. High exercisers were the most serious or committed type of exercisers. They perceived exercise as a meaningful central life interest and spent the majority of their leisure time involved in physically challenging sports and fitness activities, often exercising 6 days or more per week. They Pursued exercise for personal development, self-fulfillment, and for maintaining optimal physical performance. Moderate exercisers were moderately committed to PA and regarded exercise as an important aspect of their life, but not the most dominant one. They engaged in sports and fitness activities at least 3 days per week and pursued exercise primarily as a necessity for good health, enjoyment, and social benefits. Low exercisers were the least committed type of exercisers. They engaged in exercise irregularly and perceived it more as a chore or task than a meaningful and enjoyable pursuit, often skipping workouts in the face of other interests and demands. They stressed the importance of social interactions, managing weight, and improving overall physical appearance as reasons to engage in exercise. Additionally, this study showed that as the degree of seriousness or commitment about exercise increased, the perceived benefits derived from exercise increased as well. The findings highlight the importance of considering intervention programs to increase motivation and encourage older adults to exercise more frequently, particularly in those struggling to adopt exercise as a sustainable lifestyle approach.