The Role of Age Discrimination in the Development of Social - Sports Participation of the Older Adults

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Sports management, faculty of physical education and sports sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University

2 Allameh tabataba'i university

3 professor at Allameh Tabataba'i University

4 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran

10.22084/smms.2025.29134.3301

Abstract

Age Discrimination is one of the limiting factors for sports participation of older adults. This study was conducted to identify the role of age discrimination in the development of social-sports participation of older adults. This study was designed with a qualitative method and based on a meta-synthesis approach, using the method of Sandolovski and Barso (2006). 90 studies in the field of aging and social-sports participation were extracted based on specific criteria, and 20 studies were selected as samples. Seven categories were identified which include cultural beliefs weakening participation, stereotypes reducing active lifestyles, ineffective participatory policies promoting age discrimination, self-discrimination interrupting sports participation, ageism and increasing social distancing, technology reducing the social power of the older adults and active aging as a tool for combating age discrimination. By examining the results, it is argued that sports participation of older adults prevents economic losses by reducing self-discrimination, increasing social interactions and social acceptance of them. Moreover, the country doesn’t its efficiency and productivity with its aging trend, because with the social acceptance of the elderly, the social activity of this group is defined and stabilized, and the design of programs required for active aging is facilitated. It is suggested to activate discourses on aging and increase the representation of older adults in popular media to promote active aging.

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Main Subjects

Contemporary Studies On Sport Management

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 November 2025

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