Promoting Successful Aging Through Competitive Sports Participation

Insights From Older Adults

Bibliographic Data

ID4637762
AuthorsJinmoo Heo (0000-0001-5781-1160, Indiana University–Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), Brian Culp (0000-0001-5587-1979, Indiana University–Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), Naoko Yamada (0000-0003-3833-3110, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea), Youngshin Won (0009-0002-6826-2421, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea), Young‐Shin Won (Yonsei University)
Year2013
Volume23
Issue1
Pages105-113
Publication date2013-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732312457247
PMID22927703
OpenAlexW2163021126
LanguageEN
Citations received29
References cited31

In this study we explored the experience of competing in the Senior Games and the resultant contributions to the successful aging of older adults. We used in-depth interviews with older adults who participated in the National Senior Games. Analysis of the data produced five central themes: (a) perseverance, (b) career development and significant effort, (c) personal and social benefits, (d) unique ethos, and (e) identification as a senior athlete. We found that participating in the Senior Games as a form of serious leisure enhanced the well-being of older adults and could be utilized as a means by which to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Ethos · Older people · Political science · Social engagement · Sociology · Successful aging · Adventure Sports and Sensation Seeking · Medicine · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts · Gerontology