Seven A’s of Active Aging: Older Men’s Suggestions for Physical Activity Programs

in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

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Jordan Deneau
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Sean Horton
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Paula M. van Wyk
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2018-0450
Keywords:
ecological theory; health promotion; men’s health; physically active leisure; qualitative research
In Print:
Volume 28: Issue 1
Page Range:
53–62
Restricted access

In an attempt to offset the widespread anticipated impact of aging populations, active aging programs have become nearly ubiquitous in Western society. Nonetheless, older adults tend to remain relatively inactive. The perspectives of older adults constitute a key resource to help guide active aging efforts. Moreover, gender-sensitized and ecological approaches to physical activity programming may contribute markedly to the efficacy and inclusiveness of such initiatives. Considering the paucity of research regarding older men’s suggestions for physical activity programs, this study involved semistructured interviews to ascertain the perceptions among 19 older men (aged 75–90 years). Through a thematic analysis, seven key attributes emerged that participants believed physical activity programs should possess: affordable, available, accessible, adapted, alternative, accompanied, and awareness. The complexities and implications pertaining to these attributes are discussed in the context of ecological theory and ideals of masculinity.

The authors are with the Department of Kinesiology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Deneau (deneau11@uwindsor.ca) is corresponding author.
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