Older Women's Experiences of a Fitness Program: The Importance of Social Networks

Abstract

By means of a phenomenological case study, the meaning of a group fitness program to older women who lived alone was described. Nine women, aged 67 to 83 years old (mean age 75) who were enrolled in a group fitness program shared their motivation to attend, the social and health benefits they received, and the significance of connecting weekly with women their own age. The analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews and artifact documentation resulted in three themes (a) trading roles, (b) a happier me, and (c) it's our program. As single women the participants recognized that engaging in a fitness program provided a social context in which to expand networks that dwindled due to changes in family responsibilities. They also took great pride in taking responsibility for their own wellness through exercise. The meanings of the experiences were interpreted with the support of Weiss' (1973) theoretical framework on social support.