Aging & Social Change: Twelfth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods feasibility study is to determine if a novel physical activity intervention helps to modify behavior in terms of activity barrier identification, improvements to physical ability level, and sustained behavior change. Our state-wide research is conducted through a social science experiment with an older adult population. It examines self-reported and observed levels of physical activity, self-reported barriers to physical activity, and longitudinal physical ability changes using the New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. (NMSO) 400/800M Estimated Walk/Run as the intervention with adults 50 years of age and older. The study uses both qualitative data, through interviews, instant polls, etc., in addition to quantitative data in the form of surveys, scales, physical ability measurement, and self- reported physical ability changes. Through the testing of a proposed novel behavior change model, the researchers examine various demographic, physical, psychological, and motivational variables for analysis purposes. Anticipated implications of this study include: 1) an increase in participation with NMSO events for adults ages 50 and older, 2) the transition of casual walkers into walking athletes, 3) the validation of a novel behavior change model for older adults, and 4) the recognition and acceptance of the 400/800M Estimated Walk/Run event as a viable, competitive event in the National Senior Games. Such results may have application in fields where professionals work with older adults to enhance the aging process.