[Stereotypes of ageing and sporting activity in the over-50s].
Stereotypes of ageing affect activity in older adults. However, no representative studies on the impact of "images of ageing" on sporting activity existed until now. In a telephone survey, 2002 over-50s were asked about sporting activity and their opinions about ageing. A factor analysis of the queried attitudes disclosed five dimensions of ageing stereotypes. A subsequent cluster analysis identified three categories of attitudes towards ageing: "fit and performance-hungry", "conventional", and "easy-going and committed". Physical activity was described as the key criterion for a healthy old age in all clusters. Analysis also revealed a significant correlation between cluster affiliation and amount of sporting activity. The percentage of non-exercisers is lowest in Cluster 1, the "fit and performance-hungry" category (29.4%), and highest in Cluster 3, the "worryfree committed" (51.6%). Sports for health and trendy sports are the sports of choice, while conventional sports attract little interest.
Thiel
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A
Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. ansgar.thiel@uni-tuebingen.de
Gomolinsky
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U
Huy
C
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D013177:Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013240:Stereotyping