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- Title
FRIENDSHIPS FORGED IN FITNESS: AN ETHNOGRAPHY OF OLDER WOMEN’S SOCIAL EXPERIENCES AT A COMMUNITY FITNESS CENTER.
- Authors
Howell, Britteny M.; Hanson, Bridget L.; Wanner, Samantha
- Abstract
Gerontological research demonstrates that the social relationships forged by older women at community and fitness centers can be long-lasting and provide a variety of supportive functions. Research shows that participants, especially older women, are more likely to adhere to a fitness program when they have social supports. Older adults enjoy and respond well to pool- or water-based aerobic exercises that are safe on the joints and provide a comfortable environment away from the gym’s intimidating nature. Therefore, water-based classes provided at community fitness centers are well positioned to provide ample social opportunities to further reinforce continued physical activity for older women, resulting in health and quality-of-life improvements. However, anthropological and ethnographic research into friendship formation and maintenance among older American women is lacking in the literature. This project was a three-month ethnographic exploration of the social relationships created and maintained in the context of water-based fitness classes (water aerobics) at a local community center attended primarily by white older adults (aged 50+). The friendships forged by women in the pool provide a variety of social supports that help to maintain healthy-aging outcomes among participants. Using a Grounded Theory approach, this study utilized participant observation, semistructured keyinformant interviews, and survey questionnaires to provide a holistic anthropological investigation of the important physical, social, and mental health benefits that fitness center friendships can have on the daily lives of older women in urban Alaska.
- Subjects
MENTAL health; PHYSICAL fitness centers; SOCIAL support; SOCIAL networks; ETHNOGRAPHIC analysis
- Publication
Alaska Journal of Anthropology, 2022, Vol 20, Issue 1/2, p68
- ISSN
1544-9793
- Publication type
Article