The influence of physical activity on the well-being of older individuals : a qualitative study

Abstract

The ageing population is one which is continually increasing in size, and thus the need for these individuals to maintain their well-being across ageing is ever increasing. A clear link exists between active ageing and physical activity, through the many benefits which may be elicited through living an active life. Through purposive sampling, five individuals over the age of 65 who were physically active were recruited. The data was collected through audio recorded, individual semi-structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. Two super ordinate themes were elicited which were titled ‘The encompassing effect of physical activity on well-being’ and ‘A beneficial experience through physical activity which shapes and refines’. These enveloped a further three themes each alongside their respective sub-themes. The results portrayed a host of positive benefits and experiences elicited through physical activity, which together provided an array of benefits to the participants’ lives and well-being.