Los itinerarios físico-deportivos de las personas mayores y sus factores determinantes

Abstract

This qualitative research seeks to know the factors, present and past, responsible for the physical-sports adherence of a group of people aged 60 years or more, residing in Bilbao (Spain). It starts with an intentional sample of 18 people (10, physically active and eight, inactive during the study). The analysis of their physical-sports histories, reconstructed through in-depth semi-structured interviews, has allowed the identification of six physical-sports itineraries that show the impact of some factors on the evolution of physical-sports practice throughout life. Among them, factors involved in the current decision of the elderly to be physically active or not (health, family support, local sports centers) and others, associated with their physical-sports histories (lack of time and opportunities, ethics of the work, absence of previous practices or negative experiences). The influence of the socio-historical context associated with past stages of life in physically active or inactive leisure during old age is confirmed. The commitment to physical-sports adherence of the elderly implies, not only intervening in this late phase, but also in earlier stages, providing the ideal conditions to make this area an opportunity to improve the health and well-being of this group.