Psychosocial wellbeing in active older adults: A systematic review of qualitative literature

Abstract

Physical activity and wellbeing in older adults is a global priority in combating negative economic consequences associated with population ageing. Quantitative research using a medicalised model clearly associates physical activity with physiological health benefits.However it is argued that a review of qualitative literature exploring individual experiences of active older adults can provide important insights into physical activity, ageing and wellbeing; specifically, how discourses of ageing and self-identity may interact with physical activity levels. A literature search on electronic databases PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and ProQuest was used to identify qualitative studies of older adults who exercise or engage in competitive sport. Findings reveal both groups tend to resist dominant negative stereotypes of ageing and view physical activity as central to self-identity. Yet approaches to ageing varied with the competitive sport group adopting a more negative view of the ageing process. Whilst results suggest that different levels of physical activity may impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults, inconsistent definitions of exercise and competitive sport make it impossible to group these differences according to specific physical activity levels. More precise definitions of physical activity constructs in future research may provide a better understanding of these differences.Keywords: physical activity, exercise, sport, ageing, older adults PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLBEING 3 Psychosocial wellbeing in Active Older Adults:A systematic review of qualitative literature Fostering good health in older age is now considered an essential response to the global phenomenon of population ageing (WHO, 2012). Physical activity has been identified as a key component of good health in old age (Meisner, Dogra, Logan, Baker & Weir, 2010); physical health benefits include lower rates of cardiovascular disease (Leon, 2012), diabetes prevention and cancer prevention (Bauman, 2004), and improved cognitive functioning (Colcome & Kramer, 2003). It is predominantly these types of health outcome indicators that have led to government recommendations of physical activity levels in older adults (Sims et al., 2006), specifically that older adults aged 65 years or over "should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days" (p. 5, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2005). The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2005) further recommends that "Older people who continue to enjoy a lifetime of vigorous physical activity should carry on doing so in a manner suited to their capability into later life" (p. 5). Whilst the physical health benefits of an active lifestyle should not be ignored, what is absent in the construction of these recommendations is the consideration of the psychosocial impacts of different levels of physical activity on the individual and society.The strength in findings for health benefits associated with olde...

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