The Role of a Community-Based Leisure Program for Older Adults’ Leisure-Time Physical Activity: A Focus on the Social–Ecological Model

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify how a community-based leisure program (CBLP) interacted with older adults’ leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) based on the social–ecological model. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were completed with 19 older adults who participated in the Tennessee senior games (TSGs). Results: As a type of CBLP and an organizational factor, the TSGs were highly intertwined with intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, and community factors that enabled the older adults to easily access and enhance their LTPA. Intrapersonal factors, socioeconomic status, perceived functional ability, and three main motivation factors (i.e., physical health, positive feelings, and competition) emerged for TSG participation. As interpersonal factors, the majority of the older adults encountered the TSGs for the first time through their family, friends, coaches, doctors, or team colleagues. Conclusion: Participants were encouraged to maintain LTPA by interactions with other TSG participants. Community factors provided places and volunteers for a successful CBLP with advertisements (i.e., TV, board at gym).