Research into Aging Role Models
Recent studies have demonstrated the significance of engaging with positive senior role models as an essential step toward increasing physical activity participation, yet its exact mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, this exploratory qualitative study explored whether older adults’ aging role models have any influence on their attitudes and behavior towards aging, sport and exercise.
Participants were interviewed to identify their current aging role model and describe its characteristics that contributed to their decision. Data were then analysed using a socioemotional selectivity theory framework. Findings indicate that older adults’ role models have an effect on their perceptions and actions in regards to health-related behaviours by encouraging the setting of meaningful goals that align with specific life stages. People with ample time left may pursue knowledge-attainment goals like earning a degree or furthering education; when time becomes limited, however, they may prioritize emotionally-relevant goals like forging meaningful social bonds instead.
Most participants selected family members as their role model when considering aging; this was associated with less negative views of aging. Conversely, inactive and assistance participants most commonly chose Masters athletes as an aging role model, which was linked with negative views of aging. These findings indicate that later life role models may be more nuanced than depictions in media that promote Masters athletes as inspirational models for physically active aging.