Abstract
BackgroundThe global population is ageing. As ageing is often associated with a decline in health, there is a need to further develop preventative health measures. Physical activity can positively influence older adults’ (aged 50 years and older) health. Previous research on the relationship between physical activity and health for older adults has mainly focused on physical activity in general, and not specific types of exercise. Due to the social nature of sport, it may assist in improving physical, mental and social health for older adults. Sport, as a form of physical activity, has not been widely explored as a physical activity opportunity for older adults. This review concurrently explored two research questions: the determinants and the trends of sport participation for community dwelling older adults.MethodsTwo parallel systematic searches of nine electronic databases were conducted in December 2015 for the two research questions. English language quantitative and qualitative studies that provided specific results for community dwelling older adults’ sport participation were included and a quality ratings assessment was undertaken.ResultsThere were 10,171 studies initially identified for the first research question and 1992 studies for the second research question. This culminated in 18 and 8 studies respectively that met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently mentioned determinants of participation were health and using sport to negotiate the ageing process. The most frequently mentioned trends of sport participation were the effect of historical sport participation on current participation, and sport participation across the lifespan. The main themes for both research questions had contrasting results, for example, participation in sport could improve health, but poor health was also a limitation of sport participation.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates that older adults are a heterogeneous age group, and therefore require different strategies than other age groups to successfully participate in sport. It is recommended that the main findings from this review are incorporated into specific strategies to develop age appropriate sporting opportunities for older adults, so that sport can be presented as a viable physical activity option for this age group.
Highlights
Previous systematic reviews on physical activity in this population group have for example focused on: the physical health risks involved in participation [7], the differences between determinants of physical activity and exercise [8], whether
In total, 10,171 studies were initially identified for the first research question and 1992 studies for the second research question
There were 18 studies regarding the first research question and eight studies regarding the second research question that were included in the final review
Summary
Previous research on the relationship between physical activity and health for older adults has mainly focused on physical activity in general, and not specific types of exercise. Populations throughout the world are ageing, and the amount of people aged over 65 years is shortly expected to outnumber children under five years old [1] As people age, they are more likely to suffer from ill health, including chronic disease [2]. The health benefits of physical activity, for older adults, have been comprehensively researched. Previous systematic reviews on physical activity in this population group have for example focused on: the physical health risks involved in participation [7], the differences between determinants of physical activity and exercise [8], whether
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