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Contents Page

|Section of Report |Page no. |

|Introduction |Pages 3-4 |

|Acknowledgements |Pages 5-6 |

|Literature Review |Pages 7-11 |

|Methodologies Used |Pages 12-13 |

|Data Collection and Analysis |Pages 14-21 |

|Summary |Page 22 |

|Conclusion |Pages 23-24 |

|Recommendations |Page 25 |

|Bibliography |Page 26 |

|Appendices |Pages 27-39 |

Introduction

The research question for my Independent Research Project (IRP) relates to participation of various age groups in physical activity and whether age is a factor in determining this. More specifically, the research question formulated is: ‘Does age influence an individual’s participation in physical activity?’, a question which the processes involved throughout the project will address specifically through a variety of findings and methodologies. My intent is described most clearly as to gather data through both primary and secondary sources to discover if age as a single factor truly does influence participation in physical activity by people in contemporary society. Through analysis of data, conclusions and summaries will be formed relating to the research question and a final statement of conclusion will be constructed from gathered findings on the matter.

Methodologies to be used which will output primary data include distribution of slightly over sixty questionnaires in aims to receive sixty back for analysing. I will also conduct two separate interviews with individuals admittedly on opposite sides of the age spectrum in regards to their participation in physical activity to gather two opposing sets of data for comparative purposes, to focus the interviews more on how age affects participation, rather than other factors irrelevant to the investigation. The methodology to be used which will output secondary data will be conducting a detailed literature review on the five most useful sources of data, either from electronic sources, libraries or print sources .

The area of participation in physical activity by different age groups is an interesting phenomenon which changes as various generations age and new generations are formed, with new findings being discovered with influx of changing lifestyle choices and various influential factors. Technology is constantly improving and medicinal assistance is helping support an ageing population. Professors have documented similar research under past conditions with very conflicting findings being reported. For example, in 1994 Mr P Niemann found “there is a tendency of people to exercise less as they age”, although changing societal factors will have clearly impacted on the validity of the quote, even in the past 15 years.

The elderly have been exercising far more in recent years with “eighty is the new sixty” quotes being abound, thus this topic is one that has the potential to yield very interesting results.

Adolescents and younger children have also been drastically influenced by changing societal factors, with changes in technology being a prime factor. Within the past fifty years, these groups have changed from playing outside with friends on a regular basis to spending recreational time on computer and video games which limit development of physical wellbeing and stunt engagement in physical activity, bridging the gap between younger members of society in comparison to middle-aged and elderly members.

Overall, through contemporary exercise regimes aimed at a wider variety of groups and the effects of living in an industrialised world an investigation into age affecting physical activity participation is very relevant. Perhaps it all still comes down to what British statesmen Edward Stanley said, that “those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness”, that is older people are forced into participation due to a declining body, or does this declining body cause less participation? . All will be addressed.

My research question links to multiple areas of the Community and Family Studies HSC syllabus, particularly classified under the ‘Groups in Context’ unit of study. All links to the syllabus are as follows:

|Students Learn About: (All Groups in Context) |Students Learn to: (All Groups in Context) |

|Groups- Aged |Describe people who belong to different groups within society by:|

|Identifying the needs of Specific Groups in the Community-Needs- |- Identifying the needs of people in these groups |

|Health |- Evaluating the access of these groups to resources. |

| | |

|Researching Community Groups- Areas of Study- Access to Resources| |

|Researching Community Groups- Areas of Study- Societal Attitudes |Classify specific needs and prioritise the significance of each |

|towards the Group. |to different groups. |

|Discuss the rights, responsibilities and attitudes of individuals|

|within groups to the wider community. |

|Critically analyse the relationships between social structures |

|and the ability to satisfy needs |

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank a variety of parties for assistance at various times throughout the Independent Research Project. I would like to extend a hearty thankyou for the following people for greatly assisting during the process:

1) My CAFS teacher Mr Todd

➢ My CAFS teacher Mr Todd has offered invaluable, quality advice throughout the duration of the research. Early on, Mr Todd further assisted me in developing suitable questions for both my questionnaire and interviews (my two chosen methodologies). Mr Todd also provided many quality handouts and gave access to resources and textbooks which allowed extensive amounts of secondary research to be properly completed. He also was available for assisting me with reading over drafts of reports and proposals, giving advice for further improvement. Also of note was the fact that he provided template and completed examples of past IRP final products giving me assistance in designing the report, both in terms of layout and structure. A big thankyou to Mr Todd for all the brilliant help!

2) My mother

➢ My mother, who has undertaken various University and TAFE courses with many outcomes directly applicable to the Community and Family Studies, particularly to the Research Methodologies unit of study, was extremely helpful throughout. She provided vast quantities of detailed notes on research methodologies that I chose to use in the IRP (Questionnaires, Literature Reviews and Interviews) and some that I did not choose to further pursue in the context of my research (Case Studies and Observations). Her knowledge also provided quality assistance during the editing and refining process of the task, often giving educational suggestions for presentation of the task, although sensibly removing herself from working on the task itself to maintain integrity and fair ethics. The fact that her notes acted as such a valuable asset and the fact that her assistance was very helpful led to her being such a valuable source of information. Thankyou very much mum!

3) Mrs Bates, Albion Park High School Librarian

➢ The library is obviously a valuable source of data in research although many students often feel intimidated at the vast scope and variety present within its walls. Mrs Bates acted as a ‘guiding light’ to the class during many CAFS lessons and also my study periods. She showed me many print sources and recommended various magazine, books and material which would help me extend my research to help answer my focus question, information which also provided key in my literature review. Thankyou to Mrs Bates for your assistance!

4) The compliance of Interview Participants

➢ I would like to acknowledge the assistance of my various interview participants. Each participant fully agreed to my terms which I mentioned before the formal, structured interview began. The fact that participants allowed me to record the interviews and to conduct the interview in the first place provided me with a great source of primary data to attempt to answer the research question. I have maintained and developed my relationships with the interviewees, in turn strengthening trust levels and levels of disclosure throughout the task. Without a sense of honesty and compliance results would have been far more difficult to obtain.

5) All Respondents of my Questionnaires distributed

➢ I distributed numerous questionnaires to people of various age brackets and was overwhelmed by the positive response and depth of information I acquired thanks to respondents. There was no tension or anger regarding compliance in answering the questionnaires and without this primary data collected as a result there would be absolutely no way I could have completed my IRP. Respondents giving primary data allowed analysis of results and a hopefully reliable and valid source of data.

Literature Review

Source 1: The Scottish Government, Riaghaltas nah-Alba, (2006), Sport Exercise and Physical Activity: Public Participation, Barriers and Attitudes, Chapter Three Age Differences (last updated: Friday, September 29, 2006), , (accessed: 1 December 2012)

The ‘Sport Exercise and Physical Activity: Public Participation, Barriers and Attitudes, Chapter Three Age Differences’ website provides key statistics collated by the Scottish government relating to the participation of various age groups in physical activity. As can be noted in Appendix 3, the statistics provide data on proportions of individuals surveyed who “exercise several times a week”, a statement clearly open to interpretation as “several” could be interpreted as perhaps three times ten times or anywhere in between, but alas there are concrete links between the investigation and my research question. I found this electronic source it be particularly useful as it provides a basis of international comparison between my primary data collected in Australia and similar data collected on the other side of the world in Scotland. The interpretations of the statistics provided on the website really assists in communicating this secondary data clearly and effectively, giving relevant guidance about possible ways to interpret my own data collected, with cross-checking between my primary data and these statistics also being helpful in assessing reliability.

My research question was ‘Does age influence an individual’s participation in physical activity?’ which this data clearly relates to as it gives percentages of various age brackets , although the age groups I am surveying are slightly different (under 12 years being additionally included along with slight changes in my selected age brackets for examination).

The data presented suggests that age does play a significant role in participation of individuals in physical activity. When comparing the group of 16-24 year olds having 50% exercising several times a week to a meagre 20% of those aged 75 years and over, which suggests age does play a factor when considering this one factor alone. If age was not a significant factor, there would be reasons to expect similar percentages across the board. With aging comes a number of other factors which can include disease, work or even a lack of motivation and these all impact on participation in physical activity solely based on age according to the results presented. Significant increases and decreases can be noted from the statistics with point 3.3 in Appendix 3 saying “There is a considerable drop in the proportion participating between those in the 16-24 range and those in the 25-34 and 35-44 ranges”, reflecting another more unexpected drop in regular participation in physical activity.

In terms of my primary data collected the data is not explicitly able to be connected with the findings in full, due to the “exercise several times a week” factor although it can link with how many hours these groups are participating in relation to one another, shown in Graph C of my primary data (blank questionnaire viewable in Appendix 1 for reference). The results uncovered by my primary investigation do not hold true with the Scottish government’s investigation considering the 36-50 and 51+ age groups spent the most time exercising in my findings and instead these groups show up as not participating as effectively in this investigation. The secondary results show 16-24 year olds effectively participate more than their counterparts whilst the primary results noticeably portray far less pleasing results for this age group, with the 17-21 age group in particular having a considerably lower level of participation in my findings.

Source 2: NSW Gov Health Statistics in New South Wales, (2011), ‘Physical activity by age, sex and year: Adequate physical activity by age and sex, persons aged 16 years and over, NSW 2011’, (last updated: 2011 only given), , (accessed: 1 December 2012)

Whilst the statistics provided by the website considers two factors in order to determine adequate physical activity (age and sex), I used mathematical prowess to only use age as a focus, thus directly relating the data toward answering my research question. By averaging out the percentages of men and women reaching adequate physical activity levels for each individual age bracket I removed sex as an influence on these secondary findings.

Through these results averaging out by sex, it was found that the trend was that participation in physical activity steadily decreased based on age. For example, 68.7% of 16-24 year olds achieved adequate physical activity rates, 56.85% of 25-34 year olds eventually leading up to only 34.2% of 75+ year olds reaching these adequate levels. The only exception to this trend occurs in the 45-54 year age bracket, which suggests an ability to participate more at this particular period of time. Overwhelmingly in these bar graphed statistics, age has shown a sharp decline in physical activity, answering yes in regards to ‘Does age influence an individual’s participation in physical activity?’.

In terms of primary data collected, results from the NSW Government investigation can be compared to Question 3 and 6 of my primary investigation. The primary data in graph C shows people over the age of 36 in particular generally participated more in physical activity which the results of the ‘adequate physical activity’ study does somewhat reflect, although the fact that 68.7% of 16-24 year olds achieved the highest levels of participation on average is not reflected in my findings with the 36+ year people as a collective outclassing them. In Question 6 of the primary data, opinions of the 13-21 and 36+ clusters agree with the statistics, with both the statistics and these age groups believing older age groups are able to participate less in physical activity due to age. The source’s accuracy when compared to the primary findings is mixed overall.

Source 3: Nieman, p, (1998), ‘The Exercise- Health Connection’, Printed in the United States of America, the Booklegger Publication

Classified under the print sources of data syllabus point, ‘The Exercise-Health Connection’ provided interesting information relating to how age influences participation in physical activity. Published in 1998, the results of Nieman’s investigations did have the potential to be altered by my primary research as a result of rapid technological, medical and economic changes, which clearly have influenced availability, access and overall participation in physical activity. One of the chapters of Nieman’s book deals specifically with age as a factor being called “Influence of Age on Aerobic Fitness”, with two pages providing summaries of his collation of data. Nieman makes a statement there is a “tendency of people to exercise less as they age” which he verified through university studies as a professor. He also notes the “ability to exercise intensively is one that diminishes with age”, suggesting physical deterioration and age go hand in hand, restricting participation in physical activity immensely. A downside of this data is that it lacks up-to-date information, a common downside of many books found in libraries.

The trends described by Nieman are accurate when compared with the majority of my primary research. By referring to Appendix 1, question 7 and its analysis 53.4%, a majority, clearly agree with Nieman’s theory that age can affect participation in physical activity due to inevitable deterioration at an older age. The common responses to the qualitative question also support Nieman’s claims with frailty arising from deterioration being the most common reason individuals felt age impacted.

Source 4: Public Medicine: US National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health, (2000), ‘Changes in physical activity patterns in the United States, by sex and cross-sectional age’, (last updated: September 2000), , (accessed 1 December 2012)

This webpage, noticeable within Appendix 5, summarises a research report undertaken by the US National Library of Medicine in aims to investigate changes in physical activity patterns in the United States, based of sex and age, with age being the study relevant to my research question and investigation. The results of the investigation given provide very useful information as trends between specific age groups are closely outlines. For example, the study determines physical activity patterns from ages 12-24 years, then proceeds to 18-29 years, 30-64 years and 65+ years and provides information relating to the stability of participation with each age group in comparison to one another. My IRP question involves looking at how age directly affects participation so noticing trends like those described clearly within the results of this educational report is very important in providing a quality cross-reference and support for my IRP results, ensuring their validity. Downsides to this report are that it is only an abstract summary of findings so it can not be considered with substantial depth on such an artificial level along with the fact it uses reports from 1991, 1992 and 2000 to back up data, which is dated information with potential to change quite dramatically.

In the study the data recognises that “physical activity patterns generally eroded most from ages 15 through 18”, suggesting adolescence as a major period where this participation declines. Further declines were noticed around the 18-29 year group with stable participation levels for ages 30-64 years suggesting at these ages in particular age does not play a definitive role in participation in physical activity. There was actually a slight increase at the 65+ year age group (which may conflict with some stereotypes relating to the aged) with a final expected decline as individuals moved closer toward death.

Overall the findings of this particular report suggest age does play a huge role in participation in physical activity thus the declining changes in physical activity patterns for the various age groups, providing a clear yes answer to my research question due to the lack of stability within report findings. Whilst age does allow participation levels to move up and down for differing age brackets there is most definitely clear differences between the age groups which reveals that solely based on age that age clearly does affect participation in physical activity.

The primary data collected mainly supports the data presented in this online report. In graph C, the “physical activity patterns generally eroded most from ages 15 through 18” holds very true with a substantial decline noticeable when comparing the 12-16 and 17-21 age groups, suggesting this statement’s accuracy. The slight increases in the 65+ year group of the data coincide well with my primary results for the 51+ year age group, with this group also showing slight increases. A minor conflict between sources is the declines for the 18-29 age group, which graph C doesn’t particularly recognise. Overall, there is a strong correlation between my primary findings and the online report.

Source 5: Townsend M, Moore J, Mahoney M, (2002), ‘Playing their part: the role of physical activity and sport in sustaining the health and well being of small rural communities’, Rural and Remote Health Journal, Original Research Volume I, pgs 1-7, (last updated: 28 July 2003), , (accessed: 9 December 2012)

This online journal article focuses on a case study between two towns- Hopetoun and Penshurst- aiming to investigate rates of physical activity in these two rural communities by investigating participation in sporting club organisations. Appendix 6 contains quotations of data specifically relevant to age and its influence on participation in physical activity in this context. The text mentions that 59% of children were involved in organised physical activity during the year 2000 and by comparison 59.4% of 18+ year olds were participating in physical activity, a slight but inconsequential increase suggesting age is not a factor in participation in physical activity amongst these age groups. The statistics are reliable as they are from ABS 2000 government findings. Faults with these statistics are the extremely wide ranges with age brackets considering 18+ can include young adulthood, middle ages and retirement in which participation is very likely to fluctuate and also the 12 year gap between the investigated time period and today.

Further investigations also showed that social interaction by means of physical activity “across barriers of age” was prominent, suggesting age does not play a factor in this participation. The journal states “for many, involvement in sport and physical activity was the continuation of a lifetime habit” strongly suggesting similar patterns of physical activity through various ages as this participation was deemed “a lifetime habit”, thus placing emphasis on continuation and lack of alteration between age groups amongst these two communities. The quote “I would miss it terribly if it wasn’t there…it’s a way of giving and passing on of skills and knowledge” clearly sums up the fact that age has not played a factor and rather a steady participation in physical activity amongst both Penshurst and Hopetoun has allowed these lifetime habitual sport participation trends to eventuate.

Findings from my primary data can also be linked to Questions 3 and 7 of the investigation. Graph C suggests there are definite increases across age groups, conflicting with the reports of adults and children sharing similar participation levels in this report. For example, there are clear distinctions on Graph C that recognise under 12 years, 12-16 years and 17-21 year olds participate at very differing rates to each other, whilst this secondary source feels around 59% if children and 18+ year olds participate in organised sport (slightly different to my investigation on general participation though). The secondary source felt participation by means of social and physical interaction “across barriers of age” was prominent, although Question 7 had a majority of respondents noting frailty and less social sport opportunities were available with age, with the primary source contradicting the secondary source in this respect and overall.

Methodologies Used

In terms of primary data, questionnaires and structured interviews were conducted to obtain data. With questionnaires I chose to use the simple random sampling method when distributing these sixty questionnaires to obtain the most accurate, valid and unbiased data. Of the 60 questionnaires distributed 58 were obtained. At particular pre-selected time intervals during occasions like school, home or in other suitable locations, I distributed questionnaires in sets of three to individuals ranging from under twelve years old to the individuals aged fifty-one and over. The fact this unbiased method was used reduces the probability of simply choosing clusters of individuals, and thereby not receiving neither accurate nor reliable data. I was not conscious of who was being selected and my criteria was based reasonably on who would accept to answer the questionnaire and its conditions, considering participants of all age groups were able to answer, allowing for no bias to eventuate. The culling process of any ‘leading questions’, i.e. questions intended to draw respondents toward selecting a particular response, led to elimination of any bias from questions.

In these questionnaires I included both closed quantitative and open qualitative questions, with far more closed questions prevailing in order to allow for easier collation, analysis and interpretation of data later on. Another aim of using only one closed question was to keep answers within the boundaries of helping to answer my research question relating to age affecting participation in physical activity. In fact, discounting the option to elaborate on possible disability, the only open question read as ‘Do you personally feel age impacts on participation in physical activity? Why?’ which is a direct response to my research question with no room to stray from relevance, thereby making this technique effective in gathering data. Questions were ethically sound as anonymity was maintained during the questionnaire as well as respondents having the option to leave any questions blank if they didn’t feel comfortable answering them, thus ensuring adequate ethical concerns being met. I considered welfare concerns of participants, considered sensitivity of participants when answering questions and ensured their socio-emotional wellbeing wasn’t comprised or exploited for the IRP.

Two structured interviews were also used to gather primary data. Interviews were all conducted within the same location- in the Albion Park High School library conference rooms, although both were conducted via mobile phone from this location. I filled in the interview sheet whilst the interviewees gave me details relating to the questions. I pre-selected and with permission I interviewed two participants from extremes of age groups (one being seventy nine, the other being 21). The fact that no leading questions were used and that I used anonymity in not disclosing names prevents any privacy issues from arising, a concern when conducting interviews revealing potentially private information that the general public may not want to associate with a particular individual. I wasn’t biased in selecting interviews to use as a research method in that I considered it would allow distinctive contrasts and more detailed information to that of the questionnaires to be obtained, not simply choosing it because it was an easy method or that other students were selecting it to use.

Secondary data was obtained through literature review as a research methodology. These secondary sources have been used to reinforce or compare data obtained within the primary investigations. Bias can be accounted for and perhaps recognised through comparing results with secondary data, to help notice trends in data. Bias was avoided by selecting a variety of source materials including print sources, electronic sources and libraries accounting for more accurate and less biased data through not choosing or placing unnecessary emphasis over one medium in comparison to another.

Overall, as a researcher all I maintained outcomes of the syllabus ‘Integrity of Researcher’ and ‘Integrity of Data’. Through careful selection and carefully planning methodologies to be used, data collection and sample group details, avoiding bias and considering ethics the methodologies are more likely to lead to accurate and valid outcomes.

Data Collection and Analysis

(15 marks)

The results from my primary research are suitably presented in either an appropriate form using either a type of graph or presented through discussion of results. For the qualitative data giving values, attitudes and opinions it is essential to discuss these results as they are not numerical. The results fall under the ‘data collection’ part of the heading whilst the analysis will occur primarily at the end of the presentation of results and will allow clear interpretation and relevance to my research question to be demonstrated.

Questionnaire Results

The following results refer to my questionnaire created in aim to address the research question ‘Does age influence an individual’s participation in physical activity?’ can be accessed in Appendix 1.

1) Which of the following age groups do you fit into?

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A fairly mixed range of respondents answered my questionnaires even though simple random sampling was used, which is good for the gathering of data as it allows easier comparisons to be made in terms of the age groups. When interpreting other graphs and data it is worthwhile to check Graph A to know the range and numerical statistics that made up each age group participating in the questionnaires.

2) Have you ever had, or do you currently have any illnesses or disabilities which may affect your participation in physical activity?

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The results in Graph B show that for a majority of respondents that they do not have any disabilities or illnesses which would lead to having a major impact on their participation in physical activity in the long-term. The temporary injuries like broken bones were predominantly occuring at younger ages (Under 12-21), compared to other permanent disabilities or illnesses which occurred predominately at much older ages (usually 36+), which suggests that with age may come increased risk of permanent illness or disability. These permanent illnesses and disabilities in particular are detrimental to an individual participating in physical activity, lowering participation as with age the body can definitely start to decline.

Other responses included: Permanent limp, gord/gall stones, restless legs/symptoms of Parkinsons disease, metal placement in right femur bone and brain damage.

3) Per week, you would describe yourself as participating in approximately how much physical activity?

It is interesting to note that many of the older age groups have higher peaks in terms of time participating than their younger counterparts. For example, the 36-50 year age group has a majority of respondents within the 2-3 hours and 4-5 hours range, contrasting with a far lower quantity of 17-21 year olds (mostly stuck in the 1-2 hour or 2-3 range only) and the 22-25 age group (with no stability). A potentially shocking result occurs with the 51+ year age group with a majority of them participating in 5-8 hours of physical activity, beating out all their younger counterparts in the process (although on par with 12-16 year olds). In general, these results show the 36-50 and 51+ age groups participate the most, followed by the younger ages of under 12 years and 12-16 years. The least participating groups are the more ‘middling’ ages of 17-21 years, 22-25 years and 26-35 years.

When looking at the primary data collectively, links can be made to secondary data collected in the literature review. Specifically, when looking at Appendix 5 it makes claims like that “physical activity patterns generally eroded most from ages 15 through 18” and “strengthening patterns declined consistently from ages 12 through 21”, these primary results verifying both claims made, suggesting age is definitely a factor influencing participation in physical activity. Appendix 3, also states “there is a considerable drop in the proportion participating between those in the 16-24 range and those in the 25-34 and 35-44 ranges”, a trend which my data actually doesn’t reflect as 36-50 year olds (similar to 35-44 year olds) actually participated more than the 17-21 group and the 22-25 group (similar to those age groups mentioned).

4) What are your main reason/s for your participation in physical activity?

Other responses included: See the world/exploration, to walk my dog, have fun and ‘my legs are my vehicle’.

When analysing participation in physical activity, motivation is extremely important in examining factors leading to an increase or decline. The younger age groups (12-16 and 17-21) tended to be more driven by appearance, likely resultant from societal pressures. The influence of health and overall fitness levels were quite constant if slightly higher at both older ages and younger ages in particular, especially remembering the 36-50 and 51+ age groups had only six and seven respondents respectively compared to eleven respondents from the 17-21 age group.

All groups bar 12-16 year olds maintain similar levels of interest in socialising as a means of group interaction, suggesting there is an inherent need to belong to a sporting social group in these respondents at any age. Graph D also suggests health benefits and improvement of fitness levels as being the leading cause of participation amongst all age groups excluding under 12s who seem to lack awareness in the department of sport benefits, further evidenced by their short responses to Question 7. Graph D would also suggest the five reasons on the graph would be the major contributors to an individual participating in physical activity, some factors specifically such as appearance and relief of stress and tension becoming altered between the age groups, suggesting age influences the reasons for involvement, which supports the idea that age influences an individual’s participation in physical activity.

In terms of my secondary data, Graph D links nicely to the online journal article present in Appendix 6. The journal article stresses the use of “sport as a source of social interaction (across barriers of age)” which the data gathered in Graph D strongly supports considering socialising and being part of a group ranking high and similarly between the “barriers of age” in the graph (i.e. the different age groups), refecting the reliability of the secondary source’s study in comparison to my primary findings. Both the primary and secondary sources would confirm that age does not influence socialisation as a means of participating in sport.

5) At which age do you believe you believe you were the most involved in physical activity at??

As can be viewed in Appendix 1, the question gave options as to what age people believed they were most involved in physical activity, with more than one option being able to be selected. The question provided clusters of results particularly around the under 12-21 year group, suggesting the people completing the survey were much more active in their younger years. The 22-25 year age group provided a moderate amount of responses with there being a steep decline in involvement from 26 onwards in life. The only flaw with this data is that many people participating in the survey are younger and have not yet lived very long so they are limited into which options they are able to select. Due to this flaw comparisons with other primary and secondary results need to be formed. These results would suggest age is a huge factor in influencing an individual’s participation in physical activity. Appendix 6 includes the quote “for many, involvement in sport and physical activity was the continuation of a lifetime habit”, meaning these results shouldn’t particularly show such clusters of results, indicating similar involvement in activities is not occurring the wider community today, making age a determining factor in the process in the primary findings.

6) By numbering boxes from 1-6 (with 1 being most involved), please rate the age groups in order of how much you believe they participate in physical activity?

In my analysis for this question trends within different age groups allow some generalisations to be made about beliefs of which age groups supposedly participate in the most physical activity. For this question I did not have ‘under 12 years’ as an option because of their constant rapid developmental growth allowing for a lack of consistency in results. I didn’t include trends of under 12 year olds because of their inabilities to form opinions in regards to the topic, evidenced by their lack of response to Question 7 in most cases. I also obtained trends between 13-21 year olds, 22-35 year olds and 36+ year olds, combining two age groups together in order to form generational stereotypes, allowing for easier interpretation.

Amongst 13-21 year olds, 90% of them (an overwhelming figure) put either 51+ or 36-50 years as the least likely age group to be involved in physical activity, suggesting they show an opinion that older age may indeed impact negatively on participation also showing possible ignorance conforming to stereotypes that “old people are frail and weak”.

The 22-35 year old cluster predominately felt they participated the most regularly with 26-35 and 36-50 year olds being commonly last in the ranking. The 13-21 and 51+ year groups featured in the middle of the ranking, which a noticeable increase for the aged and their levels of participation compared to a decreasing child ranking.

Within the 36+ year old cluster the trends from the 13-21 year old cluster seem to have re-emerged, a fascinating outcome. The overwhelming majority (85%) felt 13-17 year olds participated the most with 18-21 year olds occupying the second spot 80% of the time. Most cases saw 36-50 and 51+ year olds occupying the bottom two spots, perhaps suggesting old people feel less welcome or less motivated to participate at an older age in general.

The secondary data, particularly Appendix 4’s table results are relevant to this question. Appendix 4 as a secondary source can be analysed in which it was found that apart from the 45-54 age group there was a consistent decline in how much particular age groups participate in physical activity. When contrasted with the opinions of the populus the 13-21 and 36+ year old clusters support the results of the secondary source while the 22-35 year old cluster contradicts the source with these people feeling the 26-35 and 36-50 year olds participated the least instead.

7) Do you personally feel age impacts on participation in physical activity? Why?

This qualitative source of data provided a nice supplement to the quantitative data obtained from the investigation. I have split the responses into yes, no and mixed responses providing common answers as to why they feel age may/may not influence participation in physical activity. 6/58 people (10.3%) chose not to respond to this question perhaps due to lack of time, opinions or uncertainty.

Yes Responses

• 31/58 people, which is 53.4%, said age does impact on participation.

• Frailty coming with age, less social sport opportunities for the aged, body image for teenagers, the need to participate in more activities to avoid health concerns at an older age, less time coming with age, technology limiting youth and loss of motivation amongst the aged were cited as common reasons for age impacting participation amongst individuals.

No Responses

• 12/58 people, which is 20.7%, said age does not impact on participation.

• Only presence of injury/illness, responsibilities, attitude, lifestyle and the fact that there are “equal opportunities for everybody” were reasons that they felt age was not a factor.

Mixed Responses

• 9/58 people, which is 15.5%, provided a mixed response on the issue.

• Marital decisions to have children, the amount you choose to commit to, injuries resultant from the lack of constant participation and the need to manage your wellbeing by having strict lifestyle management adaptable to different ages were commonly listed as factors which do not specifically rely on age although they may be influenced by it (i.e. mixed answers)

Overall, the results show the slight majority of respondents feel age is definitely a factor, with the majority recognising age has some impact on an individual’s participation in physical activity. The results show individual’s in general feel the aged in particular are unable to participate as regularly due to many of their internal problems like decaying bodies as well as external concerns like lack of opportunity. The results reflect the fact age is a definite contributor toward physical participation in activities.

The secondary data would also support these primary findings. Appendix 5 notes declines in physical activity patterns resultant from age just as the majority (68.9%) agrees has some influence over these patterns. The “continuing erosion of activity patterns” support the majority opinion of this qualitative question.

Interview Results Analysis

By looking at both responses from the two interviews with a 79 year old farm worker and a 21 year old university student in Appendices 7 and 8 respectively differences between age groups can be noted, data which predominately supports the primary data obtained.

The 79 year old man notes (in response to Question 7) “physical condition deteriorates and you begin to slow up overall”, revealing he feels that with age physical activity declines, despite more freedom with retirement. Despite him feeling he participates in approximately 10 hours of physical activity per week, he notes “I was most involved at around 22-25 years”, suggesting during his youth it was more common for greater levels of participation and as society has advanced this has declined, evidenced by responses from both the other interviewee and the questionnaire results. He still manages to outrank the vast majority of modern day youth in participation per week which suggests he is still fit evidenced by participation in “weightlifting…jogging…golf…tennis”, yet burdened by the inevitable influence of age.

The 21 year old male student feels age is not a factor with “attitude and the type of person you are” being the deciding factor instead. He did notice changes over time in participation but his age itself was not the reason for the changes, merely his changing responsibilities and commitments, which heightened during the 17-21 stage of his life.

When comparing results it is important to realise the generational gap between the two respondents. For example, when the 79 year old was growing up as a child in the 1930’s and 40’s there was obviously less technology around leading to more outdoor activities. Both respondents generally agree that when you are at a younger age you tend to participate the most although one (the 79 year old) believes this is due to a combination of being fitter at a younger age and less commitment with the 21 year old believing it was due to having more free time prior and throughout high school.

Nieman’s book ‘The Exercise-health connection’ makes many claims mirrored by the results of the interviews. For example, Nieman states the “deterioration attributed to aging can be explained by the tendency of people to exercise less as they age”, which the first interview with the old man supports with the man providing a similar answer that with age” physical condition deteriorates and you begin to slow up overall”, showing the relevance of age and its effects on the elderly. In the second interview, the student’s thoughts contrast with that of Niemann although the majority of questionnaire responses would definitely agree with Nieman’s theory and investigation.

Summary

Main findings and general trends included:

• Permanent illnesses and disabilities usually occurred at older ages, making an individual prone to being able to participate less at an older age, present in Graph B. This result was also noticed in Source 4 (Appendix 5) and the “further erosion” of muscle strength, making individuals susceptible to injury, illness and disability.

• The older age groups (36-50 and 51+years) participated in the most hours of physical activity, followed by the youngest age groups (Under 12 and 12-16 years) and then the other groups having similar participation levels based on time (17-21, 22-25 and 26-35 years).

• Younger age groups (12-16 and 17-21) participated as a result of appearance-based reasons and pressures compared to their elders.

• The older age groups (36-50 and 51+) were more likely to exercise for health benefits and to have higher fitness levels, likely resultant from breakdown of the body whilst under 12 year olds showed by far the lowest interest in similar benefits, likely due to lack of education and awareness.

• Socialising and being part of a group as a means of participation was consistent among all age groups (seen in Graph D), suggesting social needs of individuals do not change with age. This was also present in the online journal (Appendix 6) where participation in socialisation “across barriers of age” was prevalent.

• The vast majority of respondents recorded that they were most involved between ages under 12, 12-16 and 17-21 suggesting younger age being commonly associated with more time for physical activity. The results of interview 2 (Appendix 8) in particularly also suggest between these ages more physical activity occurs.

• Amongst younger ages (13-21 year olds) and older ages (36+ year olds) feel old age leads to less participation, which investigations by Niemann support as he says amongst other comments the “tendency of people to exercise less as they age” as well as interview 1 (Appendix 7) verifying this claim with the “physical condition deteriorates” over time comment. On the other hand, middle age groups (22-35 year olds) believed 26-35 and 36-50 participated less, which contradicts Niemann’s research.

• The majority of people (53.4%) believed age impacts on participation in physical activity and the vast majority (68.9%) agreed age has at least a slight influence.

Conclusion

(5 marks)

The simple answer to ‘Does age influence an individual’s participation in physical activity?’ is that yes, age does influence an individual’s participation in physical activity, although often indirectly and also combined with other circumstances.

With older age more injuries, illnesses and disabilities begin to arise. Whilst age itself would not lead to decreased participation, it is the muscle decline and affects of the illnesses associated with older age that actually affect participation, linking age to the issue at hand. The aged show a greater awareness and are very motivated by health benefits and the desire to improve overall fitness levels in order to minimise risk of being affected by such circumstances. The results from Graph C show that the oldest age group (51+ years) are participating in the most hours of physical activity, which comes from these desires to achieve greater health, overall fitness and wellbeing, evident in Graph D. In the ‘Exercise-health connection’ Nieman’s 1992 investigation into age as a factor reveal a “tendency of people to exercise less as they age”, which contradicts with my findings. The change in results shows that societal changes and medicinal advances have allowed for a change in the amount of older people participating in physical activity and consequently age becoming a factor in a different way than stereotypes of the elderly would suggest.

Younger age groups are continually being exposed to technology and as a result participation habits are suffering. In interview 1 the respondent indirectly mentions he used to participate in over ten hours in physical activity per week in periods of his youth (12-16, 17-21) (Appendix 8), which contrast with average questionnaire results in Graph C which show these groups participate in only around 5-8 hours for 12-16 and 2-3 hours for 17-21 years olds. The fact that younger ages (12-16 and 17-21) are more superficial and care more appearance-wise (Graph D) suggests there are societal pressures at these ages not present for the middle-aged and elderly, making the ages of youth a reason for this targeting and eventual differing participation patterns. These results suggest a decline in youth participation and the elderly taking them over due to society’s advancements (technology for youth vs. medicine for the elderly).

Recommendations

Whilst I say I was satisfied with the end product of my IRP and my approach to various areas of the task there were most certainly improvements that could have been implemented, some being more major than others.

More secondary sources of Data- Whilst five secondary sources of data allowed trends to be observed between sources, it is always a great idea to increase the variety and quantity of secondary sources. Whilst I did investigate books, websites, online reports and online articles I definitely would have liked to use a documentary to support my findings. Across the board my secondary sources were reliable although some showed faults. For example, the abstract online report used in Appendix 5 did not go into very many specifics or explain clearly where the data actually came from. Despite the information seeming easy enough to graph there was a complete absence of tabular or graphical data, letting down usefulness of the source. A greater breadth would allow my primary sources of data to be cross-checked across a greater range of sources, addressing the quality of my research question.

More Interview and Questionnaire Respondents- While on paper sixty questionnaires seems sufficient, when you need to gather responses from seven separate age brackets only a limited quantity of responses can be acquired , somewhat restricting reliability. With 100 questionnaires I would have been able to gain even more responses thus increasing the success of this investigation. In terms of interviews I felt two interviews would be a good idea ‘on paper’ to directly contrast two age groups but the interviews were more ‘extremes’ of ages, not adequately representing trends from the general populus. Perhaps next time an interview with a professional health psychologist would to gain a more knowledge perspective on this data and what it means for greater society, likely more adequately answering my research question and being a very suitable strategy to acquire key data.

Questionnaire Formatting- I received around five complaints that respondents to my questionnaires were unable to see the ‘8+ hours’ option to Question 3 (per week, you would describe yourself as participating in approximately how much physical activity?) as the option was over the page from the rest of the options making it unnoticeable and results possibly being biased as a result. Whilst this issue does not appear in Appendix 1 I would certainly fix this technical issue to ensure more accurate, reliable and valid results. For example, ten 51+ years respondents to the survey may have not seen this option available and only picked 5-8 hours as a result, potentially having a drastic impact on the final outcome. I also would have formatted the Questionnaire in simpler language for under 12 year olds as they didn’t seem to respond to the open question on ‘Do you personally feel age impacts on participation in physical activity?’. By implementing this change I would gain more expressive and genuine concerns of youth and consequently more varied results.

Bibliography

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012), Participation in Sport and Physical Recreation by people with a Disability (last updated: 12 July 2012), , (accessed 29 October 2012)

Nieman, p, (1998), ‘The Exercise- Health Connection’, Printed in the United States of America, the Booklegger Publication

NSW Gov Health Statistics in New South Wales, (2011), ‘Physical activity by age, sex and year: Adequate physical activity by age and sex, persons aged 16 years and over, NSW 2011’, (last updated: 2011 only given), , (accessed: 1 December 2012)

Public Medicine: US National Library of Medicine-National Institutes of Health, (2000), ‘Changes in physical activity patterns in the United States, by sex and cross-sectional age’, (last updated: September 2000), , (accessed 1 December 2012)

Sujatha, r, (2012), ‘For elderly, activity is key to good health: docs, The Hindu, December 3 2012, , (accessed 1 November 2012)

The Scottish Government, Riaghaltas nah-Alba, (2006), Sport Exercise and Physical Activity: Public Participation, Barriers and Attitudes, Chapter Three Age Differences (last updated: Friday, September 29, 2006), , (accessed: 1 December 2012)

The Social Report (2010), Participation in Physical Activity (last updated: not provided), , (accessed 29 October 2012)

Townsend M, Moore J, Mahoney M, (2002), ‘Playing their part: the role of physical activity and sport in sustaining the health and well being of small rural communities’, Rural and Remote Health Journal, Original Research Volume I, pgs 1-7, (last updated: 28 July 2003), , (accessed: 9 December 2012)

Appendices

|Appendix |Page no. |

|Appendix 1: Blank questionnaire template |Pages 28-30 |

|Appendix 2: Blank interview sheet template |Pages 31-32 |

|Appendix 3: Participation of Various Age groups in Physical Activity|Page 33 |

|Appendix 4: Physical activity by age, sex and year NSW 2011’- Health|Page 34 |

|Statistics NSW | |

|Appendix 5: Changes in physical activity patterns in the United |Page 35 |

|States, by sex and cross-sectional age. | |

|Appendix 6: Playing their part: the role of physical activity and |Pages 36-37 |

|sport in sustaining the health and well being of small rural | |

|communities | |

|Appendix 7: Interview response from 79 year old farm worker |Page 38 |

|Appendix 8: Interview response from 21 year old university student |Page 39 |

Appendix 1: Blank Template Questionnaire- Given out to individuals of all age groups

I have designed this questionnaire in response to my ‘Community and Family Studies’ Independent Research Project, gathering data to assist answering my research question of: ‘Does age influence an individual’s participation in Physical Activity?’. Please answer all questions honestly or if you do not feel comfortable, not at all. Please note a field of name is not provided, you will remain anonymous. I would be very appreciative if you respond and it should take you only approximately 5 minutes to do so.

1) Which of the following age groups do you fit into?

o Under 12 years

o 12-16 years

o 17-21 years

o 22-25 years

o 26-35 years

o 36-50 years

o 51+ years

2) Have you ever had, or do you currently have any illnesses or disabilities which may affect your participation in physical activity?

o No

o Yes, if yes what condition and how has it affected Participation: __________________________________________________________________

3) Per week, you would describe yourself as participating in approximately how much physical activity?

o Less than 30 minutes

o 30mins- 1 hour

o 1 hour- 2 hours

o 2-3 hours

o 3-4 hours

o 4-5 hours

o 5-8 hours

o 8+ hours

4) What are your main reason/s for your participation in physical activity? (Tick all Appropriate)

Health Benefits To improve overall fitness levels

To socialise and be part of a group To Relieve stress or tension

For appearance-based reasons (better body) Other: Please list: __________

__________________

5) At which age do you believe you were the most involved in physical activity at?

o Under 12 years

o 12-16 years

o 17-21 years

o 22-25 years

o 26-35 years

o 36-50 years

o 51+ years

o My involvement has not changed due to age

6) By numbering boxes from 1-6 (with 1 being most involved), please rate the age groups in order of how much you believe they participate in physical activity?

13-17 years 26-35 years

18-21 years 36-50 years

22-25 years 51+ Years

7) Do you personally feel age impacts on participation in physical activity? Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thankyou for completing this survey and have a wonderful day: D

Appendix 2: Blank Interview Sheet template used to record data on two opposing individuals age wise

*Inform interviewees they will be recorded at this stage and tell them they do not have to answer or respond to any questions they do not feel comfortable with doing so.*

Details of Interview: [Age, Gender, Occupation]: _____________________________________________________________

Q1: Have you ever had, or do you currently have any illnesses or disabilities which may affect your participation in physical activity? If so elaborate?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Q2: Are there are particular occurrences which have led to an increased participation or decreased participation at any time in your life? (Elaborate)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q3: What sort of activities do you regularly participate in that you would consider as physical activity and how much physical activity do you participate in per week on average?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q4: Your reasons for choosing to participate in physical activity are:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q5: At which age do you feel you were the most involved in physical activity at? (Younger than 12 years, 12-16, 17-21, 22-25, 26-35, 36-50 or 51+ Years). Elaborate.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q6: From the above mentioned age groups, order the groups in how much you believe they participate in physical activity. Explain choices.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Q7: Do you personally feel that age impacts on participation in physical activity? Why?

_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 3: Participation of Various Age groups in Physical Activity

Participation

3.2 Age best predicts participation in sport, exercise or physical activity. The proportions in each age-group who exercise several times a week are:

• 50% of those aged 16-24

• 36% of those aged 25-34

• 38% of those aged 35-44

• 32% of 45-59 year olds

• 34% of 60 to 74 year olds

• 20% of those aged 75 and over.

• 3.3 There is a considerable drop in the proportion participating between those in the 16-24 range and those in the 25-34 and 35-44 ranges.

• 3.4 The data suggests that a proportion of young people reduce activity levels around their mid to late twenties and that older people's exercise levels drop significantly from around their mid seventies. 25 The oldest group are, not surprisingly, the least likely to exercise several times a week with only 20% doing so. Two-thirds of this group (64%) never exercise.

Appendix 4: Physical activity by age, sex and year: Adequate physical activity by age and sex, persons aged 16 years and over, NSW 2011’- Health Statistics NSW

[pic]

Appendix 5: Changes in physical activity patterns in the United States, by sex and cross-sectional age

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine sex-specific, age-related changes in physical activity patterns.

METHODS:

We examined cross-sectional data from the National Health Interview Survey, using the 1992 Youth Risk Behavior Survey supplement for adolescents and the 1991 Health Promotion/Disease Prevention supplement for adults. Physical activity patterns were modeled after Healthy People 2000 objectives.

RESULTS:

Among adolescents, physical activity patterns generally eroded most from ages 15 through 18. The "regular, vigorous activity" and strengthening patterns declined consistently from ages 12 through 21. Young adulthood (18-29 yr) often marked continuing erosion of activity patterns, whereas middle adulthood (30-64 yr) often revealed relatively stable patterns. At retirement age (65 yr), there was a stabilizing, or even an improving, tendency in activity patterns, usually followed by further erosion through the final period of life. Strengthening behavior eroded dramatically with advancing age among adults, especially among men. Among adolescents, differences between female and male respondents were large for regular, vigorous activity (11.3 percentage points greater for male respondents). In comparison with female adolescents and adults, male respondents reported much higher rates of regular, sustained activity (5.5 and 5.9 percentage points, respectively), and strengthening (18.2 and 11.3 percentage points, respectively). Among adults, levels of physical inactivity among women were moderately greater (5.5 percentage points) than for men. Absolute rates of change per year were mostly large to very large (3.0-8.0 percentage points x yr(-1)) during ages 15-18 yr, but, for adults, they were small ( ................
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