scholarly journals Perceived Time, Frequency, and Intensity of Engagement and Older Masters Athletes' Subjective Experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Deck ◽  
Alison Doherty ◽  
Craig Hall ◽  
Angela Schneider ◽  
Swarali Patil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Masters Athletes

Masters athletes are a unique group of older adults whose experiences may provide valuable insights into the role of sport for successful aging. The purpose of this study was to explore whether masters athletes' social and psychological experiences vary with their time, frequency, and perceived exertion in training and competition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 men and women older masters athletes, aged 50–79 years (M = 66), who were active at the competitive level across a variety of sports (e.g., volleyball, curling, rowing, dragon boating, running, swimming, and basketball) at the time of the study. Results indicate that all participants experienced social and psychological benefits from engaging in masters sport. Only the high-frequency engagement subgroup (participating five to seven times per week in training and/or competition) reported social downsides, in terms of missing time with family and friends outside of masters sport. However, some participants described the positive family support (e.g., spouse who endorses sport participation) that overrides some of the social costs. These findings have implications for realizing positive experiences with minimal engagement in masters sport, yet an apparent threshold of participation beyond which negative social consequences may be experienced. This is an important consideration for the design and promotion of sport for older adults.

Psychological Considerations for the Older Athlete

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley W. Young ◽  
Bettina Callary ◽  
Scott Rathwell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Baby Boomer Generation ◽  
Older Athletes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Masters Athletes

Paralleling the graying of the baby boomer generation, there has been remarkable growth in the number of Masters athletes (adult sport participants generally 35+ years old) and Seniors athletes (55+) worldwide. The phenomenon of the aging or older athlete is an opportunity to study the psychological conditions and considerations that distinguish older sportspersons from their younger counterparts. Although the vast majority of sport psychology research focuses on youth and adolescents or young adults in a high-performance context, a critical mass of literature on middle-aged and older athletes has emerged. Much research has aimed to understand the sport motivation of older adults; this work has evolved from early descriptive works to increasingly theoretically grounded and analytically advanced efforts that seek to better understand older athletes’ sport commitment and their long-term goal striving behaviors. Another theme of inquiry relates to the nature of adult athletes’ social motivations and the role of social identity in explaining immersion into sport. Research has examined various social influences on older athletes, and specifically how different social agents and social norms come to bear on older athletes’ sport participation. Much work has interrogated how social support facilitates older sport participation as well as the unique negotiations that older adults make with significant others to sustain their experience. Another research theme has sought to determine the various psychosocial benefits of adult sport, cataloguing benefits related to personal growth, age-related adaptation, and successful aging outcomes. Although the discourse on adult sport has been overly positive, several contributions have problematized aspects of adult sport, challenged the assertion that adult athletes are models that many others could follow, and have further suggested that narratives of Masters athletes may reinforce ageist stigma.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Successful Aging among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Based on Ecological System Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye-Young Jang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Ecological System ◽  
System Model ◽  
Healthcare Intervention ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Study Results

This study was conducted to identify the factors associated with successful aging in older adults based on the ecological system model. Data from the 2017 National Survey of the Living Conditions of Korean Elderly were used. Participants comprised 10,074 older adults. The three principal components in the successful aging model developed by Rowe and Kahn, “absence of disease and disease-related disability,” “maintenance of high mental and physical function,” and “continued engagement with life,” were used to determine successful aging. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test, and logistic regression. The study results showed that the correlation factors were age, sex, educational level, economic status, heavy drinking, subjective health status, and health screening in the individual system; living arrangement, satisfaction with spouse, and frequency of contacting family, siblings, and relatives in the family system; and the frequency of contacting neighbors and friends, number of close neighbors and friends, and accessibility of neighborhood facilities in the community system. This study is significant because it confirms that individual characteristics and the environmental systems surrounding older adults should be considered for successful aging; it is necessary to develop and apply healthcare intervention programs that consider both of these aspects.

scholarly journals Use of a technology-based system to motivate older adults in performing physical activity: a feasibility study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Els Knippenberg ◽  
Annick Timmermans ◽  
Steven Palmaers ◽  
Annemie Spooren
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability

Abstract Background Maintaining or initiating regular physical activity (PA) is important for successful aging. Technology-based systems may support and stimulate older adults to initiate and persevere in performing PA. The aim of the current study was to assess to which extent a customised Kinect system is 1) a credible tool to increase PA in older adults, 2) motivating to perform PA by older adults, and 3) easy to be used in older adults.Methods A mixed-method cross-sectional feasibility study was performed in 5 aged care facilities in Flanders, Belgium. Aged participants were asked to perform a 20-30 minute test with the intelligent Activity-based Client-centred Training (i-ACT) system. After the test, the ‘Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire’ (CEQ), the ‘Intrinsic Motivation Inventory’(IMI), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and semi-structured interviews were conducted in the older adults. Feedback was gathered using the thinking aloud method in both aged participants and healthcare professionals.Results A total of 48 older adults (20 males and 28 females, mean age=81.19 (SD=8.10)), were included. The scores pertaining to system credibility and expectancy, system usability, and motivation towards use were moderate to good. Participants reported that they liked using the i-ACT system, but that the context could be more attractive by adding more visualisations. Twelve professionals stated that they observed involvement in older adults but think that i-ACT is better used in day care centres.Conclusions This study indicates that i-ACT is a usable and motivational system to engage older adults to perform PA and therefore supports successful aging. Future research is necessary to investigate the efficacy of i-ACT to perform PA and the transfer to regain and/or maintain engagement in ADLs that older adults find meaningful and purposeful at an older age. Also, further development of i-ACT is advisable to adapt the i-ACT system towards implementation at the home of older adults.Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT04489563, 23 July 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000A39C&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0003E6F&ts=37&cx=2jhfvs

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Experiences Participating in Aging Strong 2020 Programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 183-183
Author(s):  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Laurie Albright ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
Ellen Wicker ◽  
Janella Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Current Test ◽  
Intervention Efficacy ◽  
Program Content ◽  
Areas Of Interest

Abstract User satisfaction assessments are integral to demonstrating intervention efficacy. Towards that end, older participants across the Aging Strong 2020 suite of offerings participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 248) to provide feedback about their experiences in the program and resulting satisfaction. Overall, most participants were satisfied with the Aging Strong 2020 interventions and reported gaining new skills, tools, or coping strategies. Participants endorsed program features that facilitated social interaction, community building, and social support. Program content specifically adapted for older adults and appropriate life stage concerns and/or areas of interest were considered especially helpful. Results demonstrate that the current test and learn model offers an opportunity for participant feedback to refine and improve future iterations of project offerings. Participant feedback led to key improvements in subsequent versions of the Aging Strong 2020 programs and their contributions to successful aging among older adults.

scholarly journals Use of a technology-based system to motivate older adults in performing physical activity: a feasibility study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Els Knippenberg ◽  
Annick Timmermans ◽  
Steven Palmaers ◽  
Annemie Spooren
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability

Abstract BackgroundMaintaining or initiating regular physical activity (PA) is important for successful aging. Technology-based systems may support and stimulate older adults to initiate and persevere in performing PA. The aim of the current study was to assess to which extent a customised Kinect system is 1) a credible tool to increase PA in older adults, 2) motivating to perform PA by older adults, and 3) easy to be used in older adults. MethodsA mixed-method cross-sectional feasibility study was performed in 5 aged care facilities in Flanders, Belgium. Aged participants were asked to perform a 20-30 minute test with the intelligent Activity-based Client-centred Training (i-ACT) system. After the test, the ‘Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire’ (CEQ), the ‘Intrinsic Motivation Inventory’(IMI), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and semi-structured interviews were conducted in the older adults. Feedback was gathered using the thinking aloud method in both aged participants and healthcare professionals. ResultsA total of 48 older adults (20 males and 28 females, mean age=81.19 (SD=8.10)), were included. The scores pertaining to system credibility and expectancy, system usability, and motivation towards use were moderate to good. Participants reported that they liked using the i-ACT system, but that the context could be more attractive by adding more visualisations. Twelve professionals stated that they observed involvement in older adults but think that i-ACT is better used in day care centres. ConclusionsThis study indicates that i-ACT is a usable and motivational system to engage older adults to perform PA and therefore supports successful aging. Future research is necessary to investigate the efficacy of i-ACT to perform PA and the transfer to regain and/or maintain engagement in ADLs that older adults find meaningful and purposeful at an older age. Also, further development of i-ACT is advisable to adapt the i-ACT system towards implementation at the home of older adults.

scholarly journals Use of a technology-based system to motivate older adults in performing physical activity: a feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Els Knippenberg ◽  
Annick Timmermans ◽  
Steven Palmaers ◽  
Annemie Spooren
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Link Type ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability

Abstract Background Maintaining or initiating regular physical activity (PA) is important for successful aging. Technology-based systems may support and stimulate older adults to initiate and persevere in performing PA. The aim of the current study was to assess to which extent a customised Kinect system is 1) a credible tool to increase PA in older adults, 2) motivating to perform PA by older adults, and 3) easy to be used in older adults. Methods A mixed-method cross-sectional feasibility study was performed in 5 aged care facilities in Flanders, Belgium. Aged participants were asked to perform a 20–30 min test with the intelligent Activity-based Client-centred Training (i-ACT) system. After the test, the ‘Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire’ (CEQ), the ‘Intrinsic Motivation Inventory’(IMI), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and semi-structured interviews were conducted in the older adults. Feedback was gathered using the thinking aloud method in both aged participants and healthcare professionals. Results A total of 48 older adults (20 males and 28 females, mean age = 81.19 (SD = 8.10)), were included. The scores pertaining to system credibility and expectancy, system usability, and motivation towards use were moderate to good. Participants reported that they liked using the i-ACT system, but that the context could be more attractive by adding more visualisations. Twelve professionals stated that they observed involvement in older adults but think that i-ACT is better used in day care centres. Conclusions This study indicates that i-ACT is a usable and motivational system to engage older adults to perform PA and therefore supports successful aging. Future research is necessary to investigate the efficacy of i-ACT to perform PA and the transfer to regain and/or maintain engagement in ADLs that older adults find meaningful and purposeful at an older age. Also, further development of i-ACT is advisable to adapt the i-ACT system towards implementation at the home of older adults. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT04489563, 23 July 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals Developing, Testing, and Implementing a Falls Prevention and Healthy Aging App (Keep-On-Keep-Up) for Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 516-516
Author(s):  
Emma Stanmore
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Falls are a common and costly concern for older adults. Digital technologies can offer new, inexpensive approaches to increase access and engagement with falls prevention programmes. Keep-On-Keep-Up is a personalised, falls prevention App with strength and balance exercises plus health literacy games. This study reports on the user-centred design, usability testing and implementation of the KOKU App. Older adults aged 55 years and older in the UK were invited to take part in the study. Data collection included focus groups; baseline and 6 week questionnaires and assessments; semi-structured interviews and one focus group with falls prevention therapists to explore App usability. Thirty older adults were invited to use KOKU unsupervised, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Focus groups (n=11) with 66 older users and 11 therapists informed development. Thirty older adults (mean age = 75) were recruited for the in-depth testing. Mean SUS score was 71 indicating high usability. Qualitative themes included: ease of use (app usability; iPad properties; exercise presentation), usefulness (physical/psychological benefits; falls education), attitude towards the App and intention to use (technological barriers; flexibility of use; exercise class versus App). Therapists (n=6) viewed the KOKU platform positively and suggested extensions for further progression. No adverse events were reported during the study. This research demonstrates that KOKU is an acceptable and easy to use falls prevention intervention that facilitates older adults’ ability to access falls prevention training at a time, and in a location, that suits them.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Aging: Exploring Motivations of Masters Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 787-787
Author(s):  
Susan Brilliant ◽  
Maria Claver ◽  
Patti LaPlace ◽  
Cynthia Schlesinger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Decline ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Age Cohort ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
Working Out

Abstract Physical activity has many benefits for the optimal health of older adults (e.g., lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia and falls). However, less than one in four Americans meets guidelines for physical activity and evidence suggests inactivity increases with age. A growing number of unhealthy older adults will strain resources. Masters athletes are one segment of the population that some promote as exemplary because of their remarkable physical functioning. Swimming is a global, fast-growing sport in Masters athletics. This qualitative study explored the motivations and barriers of older adult (60+ years of age) members of a Masters swim club in Southern California. The researcher used purposive sampling to diversify the sample by selecting male and female participants (N=18) from multiple geographical areas. Guided by a primary research question: Why do Masters swimmers choose swim late in life, when most of their age cohort are becoming less physically active, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews to delve into the lived experiences of the participants, solicited peer feedback and employed Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four main themes emerged: Masters swimming provided an enjoyable way to slow physical decline; participants felt camaraderie; working out with a group provided challenge and achievement that reinforced their identity as swimmers; and their practice greatly reduced stress. A formidable barrier was revealed when most of the participants expressed longing and regret that they could not swim due to COVID risk and safety guidelines. These findings can be used to design community programs to promote lifelong physical activity participation.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of a Lifelong Learning Program

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jee Hoon Park ◽  
KyongWeon Lee ◽  
Holly Dabelko-Schoeny
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Learning Programs

Lifelong learning programs meet older adults’ educational needs and further support their health and well-being leading to more successful aging. In particular, university-based lifelong learning programs have provided older adults with opportunities to not only develop skills and knowledge but also expand new social networks with people of different ages. This study evaluated a university-based lifelong learning program, Program 60, to identify the relationships between participants’ experiences in the program and their quality of life. An online survey was employed, and 107 participants completed the self-report survey. The participants reported that classes helped increase their emotional satisfaction and that they enjoyed taking classes with younger students. Their experiences in the program reliably predicted psychological and social elements of their quality of life ( p = .004 and p = .019, respectively). Study results provide helpful information for the development of lifelong learning programs that are responsive to the increasing demands of older adults.

scholarly journals Older adults experiences of supervised hardstyle kettlebell training: A qualitative study from the BELL pragmatic controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil J. Meigh ◽  
Alexandra R. Davidson ◽  
Justin W.L. Keogh ◽  
Wayne Hing
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Home Based

Objectives: This study examined older adults′ experiences of participating in the BELL trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training. Methods: In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed 6 weeks of face-to-face group training, and 6 weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, inductively coded, with themes constructed thematically from patterns of shared meaning. Results: Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults' experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) It's one of the best things we've done - enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) It's improved it tremendously! - change in a long-term health condition, (3) It put me on a better course - overcoming challenges, (4) I wasn't just a number - feeling part of a group/community. Discussion: Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group-exercise, as well as the challenges participants faced, and the sense of achievement in overcoming them. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research are discussed.

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