Physical Activity: Not a Popular Leisure Choice in Later Life

Throughout the life course there is a continual redefining of the physical, social, psychological and cultural self. When one reaches the later part of life the collective of these subtleties pose a number of challenges particularly when contemplating embarking on an unfamiliar behavior. One challenge relates to better understanding the changing nature of aging and the of role leisure in later life, particularly that involving regular physical activity with regards to health and well-being. Although the values of being physically active are acknowledged this is not a popular form of leisure in the later years. Consequently, many policy makers, programme and community leaders, health professionals and researchers are endeavoring to better understand this phenomenon while at the same time involve greater numbers of older people in a physically active lifestyle.