The Aquatic Centre Fifties Forward Club: participation and lifestyle effects

Abstract

Becoming chronologically older is less of a factor in ageing than acting older. The potential of our older adult population is only just beginning to be realised as this sector of the population becomes empowered through taking their place in society. Recreation programmes have a key part to play in self-empowerment. The Fifties Forward Club aims to create an environment where older people can participate without the embarrassment or pressure which can accompany activities open to all ages. The aim of researching the Fifties Forward Club at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre was to explore the participation lifestyle effects of such a recreation programme for older adults. The practical fieldwork was completed over a two month period with 130 self-administered questionnaires and eight in-depth qualitative interviews. Participant observation during the previous year and ongoing during the research provided background and motivation for the research. Findings indicated motivations for joining the class and benefits which kept people attending. Questionnaires provided practical details on where and how the club fitted into surveyed members' lifestyles, and the interviews explored further lifestyle and recreation issues. Older people taking part report they are feeling much better physically, mentally and emotionally (Fifties Forward Guide, 1991) and interviewees spoke of the confidence and enjoyment they gained from participation. Conclusions from this study related to participation in the programme, transport, age and retirement, programme marketing, class popularity and problems, the programme within a lifestyle, programme satisfaction, barriers to participation, research links, mono culturalism and overall benefits. Recommendations from the study were made on the basis of members' comments and related to the practical running of the Fifties Forward Club and wider societal older adult issues. These included continuing to market the club to older women and specific targeting to under-represented groups such as men, Maori and other cultural groups.