The Elderly Sport Model: Grounded Theory Approach

The growing number of elderlies has resulted in new issues and considerations. Since the disabilities of the elderly period become more prevalent as the age increases, sport plays a more prominent role in this situation to keep the elderlies healthy and improve their social participation. Present study aims to introduce a model for elderly sport in Iran. This is a qualitative study conducted based on grounded theory. Participants of the study included the scholars and specialists of sport sciences, psychologists, social workers, sociologists, and nurses, the officials of the organizations for elderlies including health and welfare, social affairs of municipality in Isfahan. They were selected based on purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation. Data were simultaneously collected and analyzed using Strauss & Corbin method. Data was validated based on the criteria recommended by Lincoln & Guba. The results identified 276 basic conceptual statements with 11 primary categories and 50 secondary categories in paradigm model including causal conditions (3 categories), central phenomena (7 categories), action strategy (2 categories), context (2 categories), intervening conditions (2 categories), and consequence (1 category). The integration of categories based on the interrelations between them about on the elderly sport in Iran forms the paradigmatic model, reflecting the model of involved managers in the elderly issues.