Abstract
Currently our globe is facing numerous crises. Among these are the “sitting disease”, the obesity epidemic, the loneliness epidemic, and the “smart phone epidemic. The German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer sees epidemic has harming well-being, health, and education and he even mentions “digital dementia.” Of all existing academic disciplines, probably physical education is the most relevant of all in terms of addressing these critical crises facing humankind. The goal here is to optimize prolonged vitality for all and joyful longevity. Related to this purpose, three are key research questions: 1) How can we motivate people to move more? 2) What is an ideal exercise program that will be enjoyable and effective? 3) Given the socioeconomic biases affecting access to quality exercise facilities, what lower cost options can be made readily available how? To achieve the goal of this paper and to answer the research questions posed, a meta synthesis is employed. The work of about 10-15 prominent thinkers (past and present, Western, non-Western, and Indigenous) are identified, analyzed, and interpreted. These are individuals who have thought seriously about exercise and its importance for both individuals and societies. Among individuals included are Aristotle, Mencius, The White Tara, (Tibet), Rousseau, Tolstoy, Tagore, Bates, Tabata, Qi, Ratey and Lieberman. Implications In the spirit of action science emphasized by Argyris, the findings are synthesized into a new paradigm of physical education to promote prolonged vitality for all. The driving intellectual force of this paper to discover and wisdom for change.
Presenters
Gerald FryDistinguished International Professor, Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD), University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Epidemic, German, Manfred, Spitzer, Health
Digital Media
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