Sport Participation for Adults Aged 50 + Years: A Socioecological Analysis
Abstract
Sport participation can play a key role in older adults’ successful aging as it provides an enjoyable opportunity for leisure-time physical activity. Research focusing on the benefits of sport participation in later life and facilitators for involvement has been increasing in the past several years. Drawing on the socioecological model, this study investigated select socioecological factors that predict older adults’ sport participation from a holistic perspective. An online survey provided quantitative data from 1203 adults aged 50 and older across the United States. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that personal characteristics, individual behavior, environment/policy, and life course effects were significant predictors of sport participation in later life. The findings in this study enhance our understanding of factors related to older adults’ sport participation and are also of value to practitioners seeking to promote sport participation among older adults.
Department
Recreation Management and Policy
Publication Date
10-1-2023
Journal Title
The International Journal of Aging and Human Development
Publisher
SAGE Journals
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Chen, Guangzhou; Janke, Megan; Liechty, Toni; Wong, Jen D.; West, Stephanie T.; Son, Julie S.; Juris, Jill; and Johnston, Carol, "Sport Participation for Adults Aged 50 + Years: A Socioecological Analysis" (2023). The International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 2059.
https://scholars.unh.edu/faculty_pubs/2059