Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Sports Physiology, General Department of Paramedical Faculty, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3
Department of Business Management, Faculty of Business and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: The global population is aging, with the proportion of elderly individuals increasing with each census. Therefore, investigating strategies to improve the health and well-being of this demographic is imperative. This study aimed to design a strategic renewal model for healthy aging by organizing public sports activities for the elderly in urban parks.
Methods: This qualitative study employed thematic analysis to model strategies for promoting public sports for the elderly with a healthy aging approach in urban parks. The objective was to collect, summarize, conceptualize, and categorize identified strategies. The research population consisted of experts, academics in sports management, sociology, psychology, educational sciences, social work, gerontology, and elderly sports with relevant educational or research experience, as well as all policymakers and executives involved in the elderly sports sector.
Results: Regarding the dimensions of healthy aging strategies, the analysis identified 74 concepts, 17 sub-themes, and 6 main themes. For the strategies themselves, 129 concepts, 100 initial codes, 35 sub-themes, and 12 main themes were identified. Ultimately, 35 general operational programs for healthy aging strategies emphasizing sports activities were formulated.
Conclusion: The outcome of the participatory action research was the development of an operational model, an improvement in the quality of healthy aging programs, and enhanced satisfaction among the healthy elderly, their families, and program staff.
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