Agile Ageing: Implementation Considerations for a Walking Basketball Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Physical activity generally declines with increasing age and lack of enjoyment is a noted barrier to older adults participating in traditional exercise programs. Walking basketball is a modified version of basketball designed to align with the physical capabilities of older adults, where participants are required to walk rather than run and body contact is not allowed. A walking basketball program provides participants with an opportunity to obtain the physical, mental and social health benefits of exercise in a competitive and social context. Due to the dynamic environment of a walking basketball program, participants are exposed to a unique stimulus combining both physical and cognitive demands, that is unmatched by traditional exercise programs. However, an increased risk of injury coincides with the unique demands of the activity. Therefore, the purpose of this manuscript is to provide practical applications for sporting organization that wish to implement a walking basketball program.