A case study of physical activity among older adults in rural Newfoundland, Canada.
The purpose of this study was to assess rural older adults' perceptions of leisure-time physical activity and examine these perceptions from a historical perspective. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 inhabitants (mean age 82 years) of Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to inductive analysis. Member-checking interviews were conducted with 5 participants. Findings indicated that beginning in childhood, participants were socialized into a subculture of work activity. As a result of these historical and social forces, leisure-time physical activity did not form part of the participants' lives after retirement. Strategies for successful aging involved keeping busy, but this "busyness" did not include leisure-time physical activity. Results demonstrated the importance of developing a broader understanding of how past and present-day contexts can influence participation in leisure-time physical activity.
Witcher
Chad S G
CS
Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. cwitcher@ualberta.net
Holt
Nicholas L
NL
Spence
John C
JC
Cousins
Sandra O'Brien
SO
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population