Social relationships and the importance of community-based fitness programs (CBFP)

ABSTRACT

Identifying opportunities for social interaction is key in addressing those at risk of social isolation. Drawing from focus groups with 55 women over the age of 60, this brief report outlines how this community-based fitness program (CBFP) acts as a conduit for social relationships, fosters a sense of belonging, and has social benefit for both active and passive participants. Study participants expressed feelings of kinship within the routine of scheduled classes and group culture. The need to further explore the social impact of CBFPs and other activities without a primary social focus play in ameliorating social isolation are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Social relationships
• community-based fitness programs
• motivation

Acknowledgments

This research was conducted with the support of Eastern Michigan University and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).