Examining the role of driven-game shooting as a psycho-social resource for older adults in rural areas: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

This paper explores whether regular involvement in a rural, country sport, frequently practised by older individuals, builds social capital and friendships, reduces loneliness, and positively impacts individuals’ health and wellbeing. Taking a critical realist, mixed-methods approach, using a recognised social impact assessment methodology theoretically underpinned by social capital theory, this study identifies that driven-game shooting participation creates social impact via social capital creation and identity reinforcement. Results indicate a statistically significant, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing (N = 2,424), which varies by shoot size and/or type. The results are discussed in relation to implications for managing elderly health and wellbeing in rural areas.

Loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural communities: a narrative synthesis systematic review

“…For older adults in rural areas, expansion of social networks is achieved through participation in physical and social activities ( 68 ). These activities include participating in sports ( 31 ), community events and meetings ( 54 ). De Koning et al ( 33 ) noted that physical activity can play role in developing new social contacts.…”

“…The review identified a variety of interventions to address loneliness among older people, based on their differing purpose, underlying mechanisms for action and expected outcomes. The purpose of the interventions included: increasing physical activity and social connectedness of older adults ( 68 ), enhancing social participation ( 89 , 90 ), building social capital and friendship ( 31 ), mediating loneliness and perceived stress among older people ( 91 ), enhancing connectedness, informal care giving and local participation ( 73 ), improving general mental health, nutritional status, satisfaction with life, and social capital ( 92 ) tackling social isolation and loneliness ( 58 , 93 – 95 ).…”

“…Apart from massive interventions, for two different interventions driven-game shooting ( 31 ) and Community Canteen Service ( 92 ) noted statistically significant, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, and social capital of the participants where social capital of the Canteen Group was better than the Non-Canteen Group along with improvements in life satisfaction. Latham-Green et al ( 31 ) claimed that the intervention created social impact via social capital creation and identity reinforcement.…”

“…It appears that social networks have been defined and studied in various ways, such as using the term social network ( 30 ) but also other related terms like social capital ( 31 , 32 ), social connections ( 33 ), social support ( 34 , 35 ) etc. However, core dimensions of these definitions convey meanings of social connectedness of an individual and receiving social and psychological support from these contacts.…”

Game, toy, and elderly. A necessary approach from a systematic review

“…In addition, González-Bernal et al (2021), from a pretest/post-test design study, investigated the impact of using the Wii video game console ® on speed, walking balance, and risk of falls in older adults. Likewise, Santamaría-Guzmán et al (2015), address the learning and motor retention of a video game in older adults, which demanded a lot of mobility from the point of view of dance; Along these same lines, Corregidor- Sánchez et al (2021) analyze the usefulness of exergames played on three different video game consoles for the prevention of functional deterioration in the elderly; taking into account the rural context, Latham-Green et al (2021), identify that participation in shooting games creates a social impact through the creation of social capital and the reinforcement of identity, which, according to the authors, generates a statistically significant positive impact on mental health and well-being ; likewise, Li et al (2020) structured a video game that combines cognitive and physical training in a virtual reality environment, demonstrating how a multitasking game, based on virtual reality, can have a positive impact on the physical and cognitive health of the elderly.…”