Citation

Brennan D, Zecevic AA, Sibbald SL, Nolte V. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2018; 26(4): 599-607.

Affiliation

School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/japa.2017-0103

PMID

29345519

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The risk of falling increases in adults over the age of 65. A common barrier to take up physical activity in sedentary older adults is the fear of falls and injury. Experiences of masters athletes can provide insights into management of the risk for falling. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the fall-risk experience of masters athletes actively competing in sport.

METHODS: Masters athletes over the age of 55 (n=22) described their experiences in semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed through an interpretive-constructivist paradigm using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS: Five dominant themes emerged: acceptance, learning, awareness, resilience, and self-fulfillment. Participants of our study reported an acceptance of the risk they take in sport for falls and injuries in their pursuits for self-fulfillment.

DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that masters athletes accept the risk for falls and injuries in sport, find ways to adapt, and continue to compete because it is self-fulfilling. Sharing their experiences might inspire other older adults to get active as a rewarding means of remaining independent.

Language: en

Keywords

falls; lived experience; masters athlete; risk; sport