(In/Ex)clusive fitness cultures: an institutional ethnography of group exercise for older adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
K. Harvey ◽  
M. Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Institutional Ethnography ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Adult Group ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Discourses ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
Active Generation

Abstract Older adults benefit greatly from being physically active yet they are the least active generation. To appeal to older consumers, to reduce barriers older adults experience to becoming physically active and to increase the number of physically active older adults, the exercise market has been divided into mainstream fitness and age-segregated programming that specifically targets older adults. This research employed an institutional ethnography approach to understand better the social discourses and material practices that shape socially (in/ex)clusive physical cultures for older exercisers in both mainstream and older-adult group exercise classes. Textual analyses, interviews and field observations revealed that the material and discursive work practices intended to promote inclusivity in group exercise physical cultures actually engendered age-exclusive markets. Herein, we discuss how the guidelines and policies put forth by these certifying bodies, and the training curricula they publish, govern group exercise practices in a manner that tends to align with dominant ideological discourses conflating age and ability. We conclude by arguing that in order to create more inclusive physical cultures, mainstream fitness providers need to embrace options that appeal to potential group exercise consumers of all abilities, regardless of age.

Age norms for older adults among Koreans: perceptions and influencing factors

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1335-1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
SOONDOOL CHUNG ◽  
YUNKYUNG JUNG
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Adult Group ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Norms ◽  
The Social ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

ABSTRACTDespite rapid social change that has influenced the social status of older adults, expectations about their behaviour and whether such expectations differ across generations remain unexplored in Korea. Based on ageing theories of activity, disengagement and modernisation, this study investigated age norms among Koreans conceptualised as shared expectations of appropriate behaviours of older adults. Competing perspectives in intergenerational relations and prejudice toward older adults were examined to test if they influenced age norms and if such associations varied across different age groups. Data were analysed from a survey of 1,445 individuals aged 20 and above who resided in 16 administrative districts of Korea. Comparisons of age norms across age groups indicated that the older adult group (age 65+) held more restrictive attitudes about social participation and engagement in various behaviours in old age than the middle-aged adults (ages 45–64) and younger adults (ages 20–44). Respondents with more prejudice towards older adults tended to place more restrictions on the behaviour of older adults. A significant interaction indicated that respondents whose views were in line with a generational conflictive perspective, assessed as reporting more competitive perspectives between young and old people and being less supportive of intergenerational programmes, had a more restrictive view about older adults' behaviours among the middle-aged group but less restrictive attitudes in determining acceptable behaviour in later life among the older adult group.

scholarly journals Rapid Transition to Telehealth Group Exercise and Functional Assessments in Response to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233372142098031
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Jennings ◽  
Kenneth M. Manning ◽  
Janet Prvu Bettger ◽  
Katherine M. Hall ◽  
Megan Pearson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Functional Assessments ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Rapid Transition ◽  
Exercise Classes

Exercise is critical for health maintenance in late life. The COVID-19 shelter in place and social distancing orders resulted in wide-scale interruptions of exercise therapies, placing older adults at risk for the consequences of decreased mobilization. The purpose of this paper is to describe rapid transition of the Gerofit facility-based group exercise program to telehealth delivery. This Gerofit-to-Home (GTH) program continued with group-based synchronous exercise classes that ranged from 1 to 24 Veterans per class and 1 to 9 classes offered per week in the different locations. Three hundred and eight of 1149 (27%) Veterans active in the Gerofit facility-based programs made the transition to the telehealth delivered classes. Participants’ physical performance testing continued remotely as scheduled with comparisons between most recent facility-based and remote testing suggesting that participants retained physical function. Detailed protocols for remote physical performance testing and sample exercise routines are described. Translation to remote delivery of exercise programs for older adults could mitigate negative health effects.

scholarly journals ThessAHALL—A Life-Long Learning Programme for the Social Inclusion of “Early-Stage” Older Adult Researchers

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-97
Author(s):  
Despoina Mantziari ◽  
Evdokimos Konstantinidis ◽  
Despoina Petsani ◽  
Nikolaos Kyriakidis ◽  
Vassiliki Zilidou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Life Long Learning ◽  
The Social

AbstractAiming at limiting the risk of ageism & social exclusion of older adults in society, the Thess-AHALL looks at co-design and open science solutions for social inclusion for the ageing population.

scholarly journals 94 Association between Dual-Task Timed “UP and GO” Test and Occurrence of Falls According to Age Group (Young-Older or Old-Older Adults): A Longitudinal Observation Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv18-iv27
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Asai ◽  
Kensuke Oshima ◽  
Yoshihiro Fukumoto ◽  
Shogo Misu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Adult Group ◽  
Observation Study ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Aim To elucidate the association between the occurrence of falls and timed “up and go” (TUG) test score in a dual-task condition among community-dwelling older adults by age group. Methods This longitudinal observation study included 987 community-dwelling older adults at baseline. A TUG test (single-TUG) and a TUG test while counting aloud backward from 100 (dual-TUG) were conducted at baseline. The dual-task cost (DTC) value was computed from these results. Data on fall history were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire at the 1-year follow-up. At follow-up, 322 participants had dropped out and six participants had missing data for falls. The final analysis included 658 individuals (follow-up rate: 658/987, 67%) divided into a young-older adult group (aged 60–74 years) and an old-older adult group (aged 75 years or older). Associations between the occurrence of falls and TUG-related values were analyzed by age group using multivariate logistic regression models. Results For old-older adults, there were significant associations between the occurrence of falls and DTC value (odds ratio [OR] 0.981, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.963–0.999, p = 0.040) and single-TUG score (OR 1.129, 95% CI: 1.006–1.268, p = 0.039). However, no significant associations were observed for young-older adults. Conclusions Slower single-TUG test score and lower DTC value are associated with the occurrence of falls among old-older adults but not among young-older adults. Dual task assessment is useful for predicting falls in TUG fall assessment for old-older adults.

scholarly journals Neuropsychological and Functional Impact of COVID-19 on Mild Cognitive Impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331752096087
Author(s):  
Kalpana P. Padala ◽  
Christopher M. Parkes ◽  
Prasad R. Padala
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Physically Active

We present a case report to showcase that behavioral, cognitive, and functional decline may be associated with COVID-19 stay-home guidance among older adults with pre-existent cognitive impairment. In a functionally independent and physically active older adult with Mild Cognitive Impairment, there was worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms associated with the restrictions of COVID-19. Functional decline was also noted as assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. We discuss solutions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Characterization of Vertical Accelerations Experienced by Older People Attending an Aerobics Class Designed to Produce High Impacts

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Hannam ◽  
Kevin Deere ◽  
Sue Worrall ◽  
April Hartley ◽  
Jon H. Tobias
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Intensity Maximum ◽  
Beta Coefficient ◽  
Vertical Accelerations ◽  
Exercise Classes

The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility of using an aerobics class to produce potentially bone protective vertical impacts of ≥ 4g in older adults and to determine whether impacts can be predicted by physical function. Participants recruited from older adult exercise classes completed an SF-12 questionnaire, short physical performance battery, and an aerobics class with seven different components, performed at low and high intensity. Maximum g and jerk values were identified for each activity. Forty-one participants (mean 69 years) were included. Mean maximal values approached or exceeded the 4g threshold for four of the seven exercises. In multivariate analyses, age (−0.53; −0.77, −0.28) (standardized beta coefficient; 95% CI) and 4-m walk time (−0.39; −0.63, −0.16) were inversely related to maximum g. Aerobics classes can be used to produce relatively high vertical accelerations in older individuals, although the outcome is strongly dependent on age and physical function.

scholarly journals Are the Attitudes of Exercise Instructors Who Work With Older Adults Influenced by Training and Personal Characteristics?

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Hawley ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton ◽  
Malcolm Campbell ◽  
Chris Todd
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Clinical Background ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Effect

Little is known about the relationship between attitudes and characteristics of instructors and uptake and adherence of older people to exercise classes. This article explores these issues.Methods:The authors surveyed 731 UK exercise instructors with specialist older adult exercise qualifications. A questionnaire investigated instructors’ characteristics and attitudes toward older adults’ participation in exercise.Results:For mostly seated classes, EXTEND qualification (B = 0.36, p = .005) had a positive effect on instructors’ attitudes. Later Life Training qualification (B = −2.80, p = .003), clinical background (B = −3.99, p = .005), and delivering classes in National Health Services (B = −3.12, p < .001), leisure centers (B = −2.75, p = .002), or nursing homes (B = −2.29, p = .005) had a negative effect on attitudes. For mostly standing classes, experience (B = 0.20, p = .003) and delivering in leisure centers (B = 0.46, p = .032) had a positive and clinical background (B = −1.78, p = .018) had a negative effect on instructors’ attitudes.Conclusions:Most instructors have positive attitudes, but training and work context can influence attitudes toward older people’s participation in exercise classes both positively and negatively.

Older Adults’ Perceptions of a Church-Based Social Marketing Initiative to Prevent Falls Through Balance and Strength Classes

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482098428
Author(s):  
Lauren Clark ◽  
Sallie Thoreson ◽  
Cynthia W. Goss ◽  
Mark Marosits ◽  
Lorena Marquez Zimmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Interpretive Description ◽  
The Social ◽  
Strength Based ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
Marketing Messages

Despite evidence that balance and strength training and other multicomponent exercise classes reduce the risk and rate of falls and fall-related injuries, few older adults participate. To increase uptake of balance- and strength-based fall-prevention classes, we designed and implemented a social marketing program, delivered through churches. Diverse stakeholders in this social marketing initiative included class participants, instructors, church leaders and members, and public health and recreation partners. We used interpretive description to explore perceptions of the social marketing messages and the barriers and facilitators older church members encountered to balance-class enrollment and adherence. The results were three practical, clinically relevant thematic summaries of older adults’ experience. The marketing initiative succeeded in helping older adults hear about the classes, decide whether classes fit their lifestyle and needs, and continue attendance.

scholarly journals Innovation During Disruption: Supporting What Matters Most to Older Adults Through Person-Environment Fit

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 291-291
Author(s):  
Sarah Szanton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
Person Environment Fit ◽  
And Function ◽  
Tailored Program ◽  
What Matters

Abstract The fragile and improvised systems of care for older adults have been decimated by isolation and fragmented care during the pandemic. However, innovations are increasingly being offered to older adults to improve the fit between them and their environment. This includes fit within the home, the social environment, the policy environment, and with clinicians. Advancing these “fits” requires evidence-based solutions like CAPABLE, a 4 month self-efficacy and function program that provides an occupational therapist, nurse and handyworker to assess and address older adults’ functional goals. The older adult identifies what matters most and experiences a tailored program that taps into their purpose in life and supports engaging in meaningful activities. Starting in research sites, CAPABLE is now offered in 34 sites in 17 States and expanding through policy and insurers. Such efforts to leverage the strength of older adults and their families, builds capacity to evolve our communities of care.

Being physically active in old age: relationships with being active earlier in life, social status and agents of socialisation

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1097-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
JESUS MARTÍNEZ DEL CASTILLO ◽  
JOSÉ EMILIO JIMÉNEZ-BEATTY NAVARRO ◽  
JOSÉ LUIS GRAUPERA SANZ ◽  
MARÍA MARTÍN RODRÍGUEZ ◽  
ANTONIO CAMPOS IZQUIERDO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
The Social ◽  
Active Lifestyles

ABSTRACTCritical reviews of the literature on the factors that influence physical activity among older adults have argued that existing theoretical frameworks should be extended by integrating those that deal with the complex processes of socialisation and social learning. This paper explores some of the social processes that influence older people's participation in physical activity (beyond that associated with everyday domestic tasks). A questionnaire with items on personal, social and environmental characteristics was completed by a random sample of older adults in the Madrid Autonomous Region (Spain). Significant relationships were found between the type of physical activity participation and: being physically active at earlier life stages, socio-economic status, the encouragement of others or social support in being active, and the knowledge and availability of local facilities. Some cases were observed of re-socialisation into physical activity among those who had been inactive earlier in life, and both appropriate environmental and supportive social conditions appeared instrumental. The findings could usefully inform the design of future social programmes to promote active lifestyles in later life, but given the complexity of the socialisation processes, it would be advisable for future studies to examine other than the four factors featured in the presented analysis, such as the role of cultural differences.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document