Experiences of Participation in Senior Games among Older Adults

Abstract

This paper examines how Senior Games participants in one state experience their involvement and how this impact relates to perceived health. A random sample of 444 North Carolina Senior Games participants (55 years and older) completed a survey in 2006. A Reasons for Participating (RFP) scale was developed, and selected behaviors and demographic characteristics were analyzed. The RFP factors included physical health, interpersonal relationships, and intrinsic outcomes. Participants were found to be twice as physically active as other older adults in the state. Further, some demographic differences existed regarding reasons and health perceptions among the participants. This study points to the importance of a year-round community based recreation program in enabling older people to become and remain physically and socially active.

KEYWORDS:

• Health
• motivations
• physical activity
• social participation