Gender-related motivational differences in participation in an organized seniors fitness program: moving beyond sex-role stereotypic motives.
Primary reasons for senior adults' participation in a fitness program were examined in two groups to assess gender-related differences. 30 senior adults or "beginners" had just enrolled in the program, while 43 "veterans" had participated for about three years. Among "beginners" women were more likely to participate because "daytime meetings were offered" and "people I trust recommend it" but there were no gender differences among "veterans." Close examination of responses indicated that differences among "beginners" no longer obtained because "veteran" men's motivations increased to resemble those of women. Examination of these motivational shifts as well as those which approached significance is in progress with a larger sample.
Lee
M W
MW
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston 71272-0044.
D000368:Aged; D003256:Community Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012737:Sex Factors