Sport participation and positive development in older persons

Abstract

In many Western countries, more and more people are living longer. As part of this demographic shift, increasing numbers are participating in Masters sport. In the past, sport was considered important for the development of young people; however, the potential for sport participation to affect positive development across the lifespan is now recognized. The purpose of this paper is to introduce conceptual frameworks from developmental psychology that are being used to understand youths' positive development through sport, and to explore these frameworks in the context of sport as an avenue for positive development in older persons. To achieve this aim, we outline research on sport participation as it applies to youth development and consider relevant aspects as they broadly apply to development later in life. This discussion highlights the inherent paradox of sport participation-that it has the potential to provide considerable positive growth but also the potential for significant negative consequences. Finally, we explore areas of future research related to positive development in older persons through sport.

Physical activity habits in a European sports event: A case study

“…This may be because the participants in these events have very similar profiles (94.5% usually performed physical activity regularly or occasionally) regardless of gender, unlike the samples in the above-mentioned studies. Furthermore, these results may strengthen the claim of other authors (Baker et al, 2010) that the increase in female participation in physical activity in recent years has reached the same level as that of men.…”

“…Regarding the effect of gender on physical activity and sports participation, recent studies also show a greater predominance of male over female participation (Hovemann & Wicker, 2009) and increased interest from men when they participate in any physical activity or sport (Berger, O´Reilly, Parent, Séguin, & Hernández, 2008;Farrell & Shields, 2002;Humphreys & Ruseski, 2006, 2007Lera-López & Rapún-Gárate, 2005;Seabra, Mendonca, Thomis, Malina, & Maia, 2007;Taks & Scheerder, 2006). However, longitudinal studies indicate an increase in female participation (Baker, Fraser-Thomas, Dionigi, & Horton, 2010), which in recent years has surpassed male participation in some activities in Canada (Humphreys & Ruseski, 2010) and in some Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden) (Fridberg, 2010). Humphreys and Ruseski (2010) said that men are more likely to engage in activities that involve more practice time, such as team sports and outdoor recreational activities, while women tend to engage in short-duration sport activities, which do not demand a large amount of time.…”

Early Ankle Movement Versus Immobilization in the Postoperative Management of Ankle Fracture in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…19 Projections from Scandinavia suggest that the number of ankle fractures will increase 3-fold between 2006 and 2030, driven by the aging population 18 and increased participation of older people in sporting activities. 1 Displaced and/or unstable ankle fractures often require surgery to restore and maintain congruence of ankle mortise. 15 The recommended surgical technique in developed countries over the last few decades has been open reduction and internal fixation.…”

Efectos positivos del entrenamiento de karate en las capacidades cognitivas asociadas a la edad / Possitive Effects of Continuous Practice of Karate in Cognitive Capacity Associtated to the Age

“…Su efecto beneficioso ha sido ampliamente documentado en la literatura y reconocido por las personas mayores (Gillespie, Gillespie, Robertson, Lamb, Cumming & Rowe, 2003;Baker, Fraser-Thomas, Dionigi & Horton, 2010;Nyman, & Victor, 2012;Remón, Pérez, Mateos & Lozano, 2012).…”