Perceptions of aging and experiences of ageism as constraining factors of moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity in later life

Abstract

Later-life leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is an identified way to promote active aging. Nevertheless, many active older adults experience LTPA constraints and thus may not experience the full comprehensive health benefits that result from participation. This study explored two potential LTPA constraints pertaining specifically to ‘age’: beliefs that older adults have about aging (perceptions of aging) and experiences of being treated differently because of age (ageism). One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 older adults (60–74 years) who engaged in an average of ≥150 minutes of moderate to vigorous LTPA per week. Data underwent thematic analysis that resulted in three themes pertaining to LTPA: (a) ‘age has nothing to do with it,’ (b) ‘but they do treat us different here,’ and (c) ‘why don’t we have an exercise class?’ Findings provide new perspectives on how aging perceptions and ageism – in both negative and positive forms – can affect LTPA engagement in later life.