Recreational activity as a pathway to healthy aging: A mixed-methods study on sedentary older adults

This study investigates the outcomes associated with regular recreational physical activities on the quality of life of sedentary elderly individuals, employing an embedded mixed-methods research design. The research was conducted in a major city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey between May and July 2023. The study sample comprised 20 participants aged between 65 and 74 years, who engaged in a 12-week intervention program incorporating various physical activities. Both qualitative interviews and quantitative assessments were utilized to examine changes in cognitive and social functioning, health perception, and mental efficiency before and after the intervention. The findings indicate that participants who engaged in recreational physical activities reported significantly enhanced both physical and mental well-being, with notable improvements in social interactions and overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, the positive effects were reported to potentially extend beyond the intervention period, as qualitative data indicated influencing participants' engagement in social activities and their perception of their social environment. This study highlights the critical role of regular recreational physical activities in promoting healthy aging, advocating for their integration into routine care practices and community programs for the elderly. Such an approach not only supports physical health but also fosters mental and social well-being, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life in aging populations.