What did our research with the sector conclude?
The research highlights that older adults face a combination of practical and social barriers, including reduced physical activity due to health conditions, social isolation, and age discrimination (or stereotyping) in sports environments. Overall physical activity levels tend to decline with age: amongst the Scottish population as a whole, 35.5% of people do not meet the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines for activity duration and strengthening exercise, with this figure rising to 58.9% amongst men over 75 and 69.5% amongst women over 75.[1] This translates into lower sports participation: the 2021 Scottish Household Survey found that 82.8% of those aged 16-64 had taken part in sport in the past four weeks, while for those aged 65+ this figure was 59.5%, dropping to 31.2% if walking is removed.[2] Physical limitations, transportation challenges, and limited programme availability compound these issues, while ageist attitudes discourage older adults from fully engaging. Inclusive sports environments must address these practical needs with accessible facilities and low-impact activities, while promoting positive messaging around older adults' participation in sports.
The following comments are from the 2024 research study, reflecting the range of views expressed by participants:
- "Older people often face practical challenges, like getting to the facility or finding activities that fit their needs... Accessibility needs to be more than just ramps - it's about a whole approach to making them feel welcome."
- "It's not just about fitness. For many older people, sports are a lifeline socially. It helps them feel part of something, connected, and less isolated."
- "There's still this perception that sport is for younger people or that older adults don't have the capability... We need to shift the mindset and show that sport is for all ages."
- "Activities like walking clubs or low-impact classes can make all the difference. They allow older people to stay active without fear of injury or intimidation."
- "You rarely see older people in sports marketing, yet they are a vital part of the community. Representation matters - it shows that they are valued in these spaces."
Barriers
Limiting conditions and disabilities - Older people are more likely to experience health-related barriers to sport, including as a result of conditions such as arthritis, mobility impairments or cardiovascular diseases. Research has found health status to be an important predictor of levels of physical activity amongst older people,[3] contributing to increased fears around pain, fatigue and potential injury.
Social connectedness - Older people can be less likely than others to have the kinds of social support and networks which often encourage participation in sport, for example amongst friends, work colleagues and neighbours, with research highlighting a link between social connectedness and physical activity amongst older people in Scotland.[4]
Accessibility and availability - Older people can face greater accessibility-related barriers when participating in sport, being more likely to experience mobility issues which can make it difficult to navigate stairs or uneven surfaces and harder to travel to sports centres on foot or via public transport. Older people can also be excluded when there is a lack of availability of programmes tailored to their physical needs and abilities, which can be better suited to low-impact, balance and coordination-focused activities compared to more high-intensity offerings.
Ageism and stereotypes - Social attitudes can perpetuate stereotypes about ageing that discourage older people from participating in sport, including around what sports are seen as appropriate or normal for an older person to take part in. This can include stereotypes which older people themselves have, causing them to believe that they cannot or should not take part in some kinds of sport.
What we can do about it
Emphasise the social aspect
- Encourage social interaction - build supportive and welcoming environments for older people which encourage social interaction and friendships amongst participants.
- Emphasise enjoyment - encourage participation by highlighting the fun, social and wellbeing aspects of sport, making sure to reflect the motivations of older people locally for taking part in physical activities.
- Community engagement - work to build links with other organisations relevant to older people's participation in sport, for example local health authorities and organisations promoting healthy ageing, and organise events to deepen local community engagement.
Address practical barriers
- Promote accessibility - ensure sports facilities are accessible to all, including those with mobility issues or other health conditions (through ramps, seating, transport options), and ensure that appropriate equipment for older adults is available, such as lightweight or low-impact options.
- Increase availability - where appropriate, offer programmes and activities which are tailored to reflect the limiting conditions experienced by many older people, for example tai chi, walking sports, chair-based exercises and yoga.
- Create safe environments - take steps to alleviate the fears older people may have around participating in sport, for example through soft flooring to reduce risk of injury and regular supervision to ensure quick assistance with discomfort experienced.
Challenge stereotypes
- Inclusive marketing and communication - when promoting programmes, use marketing materials that feature diverse images of older adults participating in sport, to challenge stereotypes and show that sport is for all ages.
- Awareness of ageism and stereotypes - ensure staff are aware of the dangers of ageism and negative stereotypes around older people's participation in sport, and are ready to promote positive messages about ageing and physical activity.
Tailor to individual needs
- Gather feedback - develop ways of gathering feedback from older people, to ensure their needs and experiences are being reflected in the delivery of programmes and activities.
- Reflect priorities - where particular needs and priorities arise amongst older members of your club/community (for example, a desire to focus on particular aspects of flexibility, mobility or strength), explore how these can be addressed or incorporated into activities.
- Personalise support - acknowledge that different older adults will have different needs and concerns around sport and physical activities - including differing levels of confidence and physical capacity - offer advice and support to older people in identifying what kinds of activities may be the best fit for them as individuals.
