Participation in Leisure Sports programs and Active Aging among Senior Welfare Center Users

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of participation in leisure sports programs among users of senior welfare centers and to consider the contribution of this activity to the realization of active aging for the seniors.BR Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 seniors aged 65 years or older and 9 officials who use community senior welfare centers to explore their participation in leisure sports programs. The discussion focused on how this activity contributes to the promotion of active aging among the elderly. BR Results: First, the characteristics of participation in leisure sports programs by seniors using senior welfare centers were divided into 'motivation for participation', 'participation experience', 'satisfaction', and 'intention to participate in the future'. Senior welfare center users' participation in leisure sports programs showed strong motivation for 'maintaining health and improving physical strength' and 'social activities'. The participation experience revealed the characteristics of 'health promotion', 'psychological stability', 'fun and satisfaction', 'self-development and self-realization', and 'formation of social relationships'. In terms of satisfaction, it was confirmed that most of the elderly users showed high satisfaction and were willing to participate in the future. Second, the contribution of leisure sports programs at senior welfare centers to the realization of active aging for the senior was discussed at three levels. The contribution of the physical aspect helped the seniors maintain a healthy and independent life by increasing their physical activity. Contribution to the mental aspect had a positive effect on the mental activities of the senior, promoting self-efficacy and positive mindset. The social aspect's contribution helped foster interactions, form new relationships, and strengthen connectivity.BR Conclusion: This study has implications as it focuses on the user-centered experiential characteristics of leisure sports programs at senior welfare centers and further reexamines them from the perspective of active aging.