2009 journal article

Physical Activity and Senior Games Participation: Benefits, Constraints, and Behaviors

JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, 17(2), 135–153.

By: D. Cardenas, K. Henderson* & B. Wilson*

author keywords: leisure; social ecology; community recreation; older adults; interpersonal relationships
MeSH headings : Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging / physiology; Aging / psychology; Female; Health Promotion / methods; Health Surveys; Humans; Leisure Activities; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; North Carolina; Play and Playthings; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Social Marketing; Social Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018

The purpose of the article was to examine the physical activity perceptions and behaviors of older adults who were active participants in a statewide senior games (i.e., North Carolina Senior Games; NCSG) program with its focus on year-round involvement through activities in local communities. A random sample of 440 older adults (55 years and older) completed a questionnaire in 2006 about their participation in community-based senior games. A uniqueness of this study is its focus on active older adults, which provides insight into how to maintain physical involvement. Older adults who were most active perceived the most benefits from senior games but did not necessarily have the fewest constraints. This study of NCSG as an organization designed to promote healthy living in communities offered an example of how a social-ecological framework aimed at health promotion can be applied.