A Study of Cultural and Social Factors Affecting the Development of Elderly Sport: A Mixed-Method Study

 Participating in physical activity has many physical and mental benefits for the health of the elderly, and cultural and social factors have a great effect on the participation of the elderly in sports. The aim of this study was to identify the cultural and social factors affecting the development of elderly sports.

 This mixed-method study including 3 stages was conducted during 2019-2020. Stage 1 was a review study that was performed through analyzing the content of 23 national (8) and foreign (15) researches. Stages 2 and 3 were qualitative study. In the second stage, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 27 experts and commentators, and interviewing continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. In the third stage, 15 members of the Delphi group were interviewed in two rounds. Sampling in the second and third stages was targeted and available.

 After content analysis, nine cultural and social factors affecting the development of elderly sport were identified. Playing music in parks, making sports fun for the elderly, creating a culture and motivation in the elderly, creating the right attitude in the elderly, increasing life expectancy in the elderly, creating peace of mind in the elderly, the presence of family members and sport friends with the elderly, intimacy atmosphere between officials, coaches and elderly athletes, helping to solve the elderly's personal problems in order not to leave sports were cultural and social factors affecting the development of elderly sport, which were divided into three areas: environmental, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

 Based on the results, it is suggested that competitions should be held among the elderly to increase their motivation. Sport coaches should also try to make sports fun. Moreover, the more the media allocates programs to the elderly and talk about their moral and self-confidence; the more motivated the elderly will do exercise.