Sport, physical activity, and aging: Are we on the right track?

Abstract

This chapter provides a critical overview of the applicability and effectiveness of ‘Sport for Life’ and ‘Sport for All’ approaches in achieving ‘success’ during older adulthood. Older adulthood, as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO), commonly coincides with the eligibility to collect pension payments, and thus begins between 60 and 65 years of age (WHO, 2002a). As many parts of the world face a demographic shift toward this older population base, a critical examination of strategies to maintain health, function, and well-being into later life is warranted. Positioned within a framework of successful aging, this chapter discusses the implications of holding the individual accountable for personal health and functioning, while aligning this notion with the expectation of all individuals to maintain physically active lives through sport participation. As an example of older adults participating in sport we highlight the World Masters Games and debate the use of competitive Masters athletes to exemplify the aging ideal as well as serve as role models for the senior population. We consider barriers to sport and physical activity participation and provide a snapshot of engagement profiles throughout older adulthood. Conclusions are drawn regarding ‘Sport for Life’ and ‘Sport for All’ approaches when encouraging older adults to age successfully, and contrasts are made to the broader framework of ‘active aging’.