| Summary: | This study explored the meaning of active living from the perspective of older persons.
While there is growing research to support an active lifestyle as beneficial in many ways, there
has been little investigation into how elders themselves conceive of active lifestyles. This
ethnographic study represents an important first step, as it is imperative to understand how elders
themselves view active living in order to develop and implement any strategies in the most
effective and respectful manner.
The findings that emerged from in-depth interviews of 14 purposefully-selected
informants comprised themes that could be structured into a taxonomy—an ethnography of the
meaning of active living. The analysis of these themes made it clear that the elders' conceptions
of active living required a multi-faceted and interdependent conception of the self and personal
well-being, which importantly included having meaningful relationships. The notions of
"valuable activities" and "valuable time spent" were found to be central and semantically related
to, and perhaps a derivative of, the meanings of "active living." One of the most successful
manifestations of active living, at least in part, was perceived to be ongoing goal-directed activity
characterized by engagement and commitment. Autonomy and opportunity were identified to
play a significant role in the meaning of "active lifestyle." Finally, the informants' conceptions
of activity and active living were importantly described as self-reinforcing and positive.
As active living referred to a set of conditions and ongoing, specific activities thought to
help achieve, maintain and enhance personal well-being, the development and discussion of the
taxonomy helps to illuminate at least one alleged route to achieving, maintaining and/or
improving overall personal well-being.
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