The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical Activity Enjoyment in a Population of Able Bodied Rural Aging Women

Abstract

Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity disparity compared to younger, male, and urban populations. Research suggests that enjoyment of physical activity may function as an antecedent to participation and also as an outcome that can encourage future leisure time physical activity. This study examines how rural women's choice of leisure time physical activity location and activity companions informs their enjoyment of that physical activity. Weeklong activity diaries were completed by 39 rural‐dwelling women aged 50 to 74. Of the 528 bouts of physical activity reported, activities undertaken with companions and in public settings were most enjoyable. However, women most frequently participated alone and in their homes. Women's type of physical activity was a significant moderator of their enjoyment in different social groups and environments. The discussion considers leisure providers’ opportunities to empower this subpopulation with neighborhood‐proximate park facility placement and program design. Avenues for future research, such as site and program preference studies, are also identified.

Key words:

• women
• rural aging
• physical activity
• diaries
• neighbourhood
• parks
• design