The Relationship between Successful Aging and Leisure Physical Activity in Cross-generational Women: A Case Study of Hakka Women in Hsinchu County

• Main Authors: Shu-YuChiou, 邱淑玉
• Other Authors: Shan-Hui Hsu
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/8x7x23

碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 體育健康與休閒研究所 === 103 === 　　Successful aging is an emerging paradigm of gerontology. Researchers in many different disciplines have focused on finding out what helps aging population to stay healthy for longer. Culture, gender, and leisure physical activity have been identified as three factors, among others, affecting successful aging. The purpose of this study was to examine the process of becoming a successful aging woman in the Hakka society, to try to understand the relationship between leisure physical activity and successful aging. A qualitative case study was adopted in the study. Oral history interviews of two participants were conducted to collect life experiences on leisure physical activities. A constant comparative method was conducted to construct categories and subcategories for further analysis. Four major findings regarding the relationship between successful aging and leisure physical activity in cross-generational Hakka women emerged from this study. Husband was a significant factor in successful aging as well as a happy family. Being a dependent woman did not rule out the possibility of aging successfully. Moreover, caregiver’s role helped Mary to age successfully in Hakka culture. This role required engagement in physically demanding work, and such activities contributed to maintaining moderate intensity physical activity at an old age. Finally, regular lifestyle facilitated successful aging. 　　Three major conclusion were found in the study: 1) Husband and family, physical health, social activities, financial security influenced successful aging; 2) Caregiver role helped in becoming a successful ager in Hakka culture; 3) Companions helped strengthen the inclination of these two participants to take up leisure physical activity.