Patricia Weir -
SRG 2010
Français
Multidimensional models of successful aging (SA) suggest that older adults need to stay actively engaged in sustaining personal relationships and involvement in meaningful and productive activities (Rowe & Kahn, 1987). A missing link in understanding the full effects of engagement is the impact that physical activity and sport has on social engagement, and how this affects psychosocial function and independence (Everard, Lach, Fisher, & Baum, 2000). The purpose of this research is to explore patterns of social engagement in Canadian seniors. Study 1 will examine patterns of social engagement in older Canadians in three age groups (65-75, 75-85, 85+ years of age) with the goal of: a) exploring how types of social engagement might be related to involvement in physical activity and sport, and b) identifying how social engagement impacts psychosocial function and independence. Study 2 will examine the stability of social engagement over the preceding five years. The overall goal of this research is to extend knowledge of older Canadians’ participation in sport, and to examine the impact of sport participation on other forms of social engagement. To date in Study 1, questionnaire data has been gathered from 207 Canadian seniors. Data collection was conducted at the Southwestern Ontario Regional Games, the local Ontario Senior Games, fitness clubs, walking clubs, and the local Centre for Seniors. Preliminary findings on patterns of engagement will be presented.
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