Active Aging: Perceptions and Experiences of Older Adults who Attend a Seniors Gym

Introduction: Projected increases in the aging population necessitate actions that improve healthy aging and the wellbeing of older adults. Maintaining physical and mental wellbeing or older adults is becoming a priority for health agendas, as the cost of older persons care rises. This study explored the meaning and motivation of retirees attending a senior’s gym program and its contribution to wellbeing.
Method: 11 participants were interviewed using a structured interview schedule which included the WHO QoL Breve and the
WEMWS. Interviews were recorded and transcripts analysed thematically using a qualitative descriptive approach.
Results/Findings: Participants reported high levels of wellbeing and recognized improvement since attending the program.
The qualitative analysis identified 4 themes: 1) Fear of getting older. 2) Physical and psychological wellbeing. 3) A sense of purpose.
4) Socially motivating environment.
Conclusion: Attending the seniors gym promoted wellbeing through staying active and counters the fear of getting older and losing functional ability. Both physical and psychological wellbeing was supported and confirms the benefits of measuring wellbeing outcomes for older adults. Further research is suggested to explore the role of grand parenting in increasing older adults’ wellbeing.
Key Findings
Regular exercise counters the fear of aging in older adults, including loss of function.
A supportive and social gym environment enhances physical and psychological wellbeing of older adults.
What the Study has Added
A fear of getting old is a motivating factor for taking up exercise for older adults. Improvement in eudemonic wellbeing is consistent with an occupational therapy approach.