Grandparents’ contribution to a family culture of physical activity

Palmer, V. J. (2018) Grandparents’ contribution to a family culture of physical activity. Gerontologie et Societe, 40(156), I-XVI.

Abstract

Family is often identified as a determinant or correlate of older adults’ physical activity. However, we know little about how family life can influence physical activity beliefs, understandings and practices as we age. Changes in life expectancy have resulted in changes in family life, with an increasing amount of families now living with multiple generations. As a result, families experience an increased number of years of shared lives. This shift in family structure may affect the way we do family, that is, what roles and responsibilities are undertaken as part of family life. Thus, in the last decade there has been an increasing interest in intergenerational relationships within families in the literature. However, in relation to physical activity, research in intergenerational families has focussed on two generational families. In addition, little is known about how intergenerational relationships may influence physical activity beliefs, understandings and practices, particularly from the perspective of older adults. Based on data from five three-generational families from the West of Scotland, results show how the physical activity practices of older people contribute to a family culture of physical activity, thus reinforcing intergenerational links.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Palmer, Dr Victoria
• Authors: Palmer, V. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Gerontologie et Societe
• Publisher: Fondation Nationale de Gerontologie
• ISSN: 0151-0193
• ISSN (Online): 2101-0218
• Published Online: 03 July 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Caisse nationale d'assurance vieillesse
• First Published: First published in Gerontologie et Societe 40(156): I-XVI
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Editor