Barriers to Participating in Physical Activities

Barriers to Participating in Physical Activities

Introduction

Active ageing is a perspective referred to the successful ageing of an older individual when older adults stay active and maintain social interactions. It is possible to achieve successful ageing through physical exercise. In this case, physical activities are an essential action that involves bodily exercise and games to keep the body fit and flexible (Gill &Sharma, 2017, p.4). To be precise, the activity involves movement of the body that enables to make the muscles of individual work and hence requires more energy than that of the rest. There are several forms and types of physical activities across the globe, which are practicable and easy for an old adult. The type of exercise varies with its objective; that is, if the activity aims at reducing body weight, maintaining a healthy heartbeat, for sporting activities, or for lung purposes (Suttonand & Fabris, 2017, p.12). The body, in this case, can adapt to any physical task and chores in our daily life to hence, easier and productive for an individual in the society. For example, running, walking for long distances, swimming, gardening, and yoga is an illustration of bodily activity (Eschke et al., 2019, p.9). Others may include gymnastic activities such as weight lifting as part of physical exercise. In this case, older adults should consider such examples of physical exercise.

Adult individuals in Thailand suffer several barriers that limit them from bodily activities, which is the center of discussion in this report. The report seeks to analyze such barriers with an appropriate approach taken to highlight and identify them. In this case, the report aids in clearly pointing out the strategies that an adult individual in Thailand might take to have a healthy physical activity. The report is an essential factor as it enables an individual in Thailand to develop their own solutions as it creates awareness of the barriers to physical exercise. To be precise, the report analyzes the forms of exercise that are conducive for an adult in Thailand might practice for their own benefit. Also, the report is relevant in this case since it enables them to identify the ways that an individual might take to overcome the barriers. Furthermore, it directly shows how relevant physical exercises are to the old adults in the society of Thailand. Also, it provides the older individual with the ethical approaches in dealing with physical exercise limitations.

Research Question

According to Chansarn (2012), the key research done regarding the matter was the perceptions of individuals towards physical exercise. It led to the current study that seeks to examine the barriers in participating in physical exercise by older adults. The primary study questions in this case are; what are the barriers to participation in physical exercise amongst the older adults in Thailand? Regular participation in physical exercise is one of the limitations since older individual tends to use their leisure or free time for their own interest. Some of the activities that an older individual might partake in a day can involve a lack of energy usage while carrying out activities. The resting time of an individual is also a critical barrier. In this case, older adults tend to rest more than partaking bodily exercises and activities.

People’s perception of physical exercise is another barrier that faces older individuals. Lack of proper facilities for participating in physical exercise also acts as a barrier in this case. The other barrier is the food health of an older adult, which is also a critical factor. The transport system is also a barrier to participating in physical exercise since other older individuals use simple means. Another barrier, in this case, is sporting activities around the location of the older adults.

Literature review

Chansarn’s previous project was a marvelous study as researchers came to the conclusion that older individuals have a poor perspective towards physical exercise (Chansarn, 2012, p.6). Older individuals in Thailand were found to have a negative mentality that resulted in minimum participation in physical exercise. The study used an appropriate method for the data collection, that is, interviews and the use of questionnaires. The questionnaires were therefore based on an open-ended technique, which allowed the interviewees to respond to the questions. The exercise had an approximate number of 25 participants who aided in the collection of clear data. The data collected in the exercise was directly from the source (Chansarn, 2012, p.6).

Hypothesis

The research seeks to allow an individual to identify the possible limitations of bodily activities and exercises. Older adults in Thailand who have the ability to identify the barriers that confine them from physical exercise might gain the knowledge of the dangers facing them in their health (Julvanichpong et al., 2016, p.2635). The study seeks to provide outcomes and effects of barriers in participating in physical exercise of older adults are such as, increase in anxiety and depression, risk in developing cancerous diseases, becoming an overweight individual or develop obese, and probably risk in diabetes (Aily et al., 2017, p.5). Furthermore, it shows how the daily activities of an older adult can determine the amount of work or energy used physically that identifies the need for physical education. The regular time allocated by an older individual in Thailand for physical work will identify the amount of energy spent daily (Abrantes et al., 2017, p.113). Moreover, the resting time of an older individual is more relevant after work mostly for an older individual.

The study also stresses that t most relevant factor, in this case, is people’s perspectives towards physical exercise. In Thailand, the study enables the researchers to configure the critical remarks of individuals participating in physical exercise, which further enables the researchers to analyze the roots of the barriers in participating in physical exercise to older individuals (Ploughman, 2017, p.125). Through the identification of measures to the barriers in physical activities, an older individual can develop strategies of overcoming them for the benefit of a healthy body. The study also seeks to show how individuals in Thailand view physical exercise and the possible demand for it to older adults (Auker et al., 2020, p.23). In this case, it is important to identify readily available facilities that will help older individuals to participate in physical exercise. Such facilities are like gym, field, numerous free weights and machines, rowers, cycle ergometers, swimming pools, and power cage (Hoare et al., 2017, p.43). Types of food that an older adult takes in Thailand allow him or her to measure the amount of calorie intake, which determines the need and type of physical exercise required. The means or form of transportation by an older adult from one place to another also helps in analyzing the amount of work done (Darren Hearn et al., 2017, p.76). For instance, older adults using bicycles as a means of transport systems are exposed to healthy physical exercise, unlike the ones using vehicles. It is also important for an individual to participate in sporting activities in Thailand as it is one of the best forms of physical exercise across the globe.

 Questionnaires

As a method of data collection, the questionnaire techniques used in the study were the Closed-ended questions. The questions originated from the objectives established in the study to enable the researchers to cover the critical section during the research activities. To be precise, the researchers constructed the questions based on the purpose of the study. The questions were chosen because they ethically cover the entire aims of the study. The key reason for choosing Closed-ended questions in the questionnaire’s technique was to save time and also achieve specific answers, which got applied in certain areas such as the hospital. Close-ended questions were used because they provide detailed answers and enabled the researcher to achieve what was in the mind of the respondents freely (Zhou et al., 2018, p.20).

 Interviews

To get precise information, the study conducted interviews on a number of barriers to participating in physical activities and exercise in regards to the older adults in Thailand (Zhou et al., 2018, p.22). The use of interviews greatly helped in gathering valid and reliable data that is relevant to research questions and objectives. The qualitative interviews were essentially important, especially when it was necessary to understand the reasons for certain attitudes and opinions in regards to barriers to barriers to participation in physical activities and exercise amongst the older adults (Zhou et al., 2018, p.26). Thus, semi-structured interviews were conducted to get more details on barriers to physical activities and exercise.

Survey Method

Strength

The best method used for this study was the cross-section technique of interviewing older adult individuals in Thailand, which was an interesting activity that gathered the best information. The method, in this case, is appropriate since it gathers data consisting of multiple variables at a specific point of time (Sutherland et al., 2019, p.3). The method used mainly aims at a population survey, unlike experimental, where a small group of individuals is involved. The research-based on detailed information that an interviewee should achieve, which makes the method relevant and fit for the study, unlike techniques such as the Delphi method (Mason et al., 2017, p.103). The reason for not using an experimental method is due to the results which apply to only one situation and may be problematic to answer. To be precise, the method allowed a deep investigation of the barriers to participating in physical education. The quasi method of study gains insight into methods of instructions which are not suitable for this research (Regolisti et al., 2018, p.15). The primary key to using questionnaires in this study is because it gains high response during the study, which states that it is better than other methods of studies.

Weaknesses

The technique was also limited due to some of an avoidable circumstance during the activity in Thailand. The main demerit was the time consumption of the method used during the exercise (Zelle et al., 2016, p.15). The exercise period was limited, and it had to take the shortest time possible. Also, it was difficult for some of the interviewees to understand the reason for the exercise. In this case, the interviewers had a difficult session in trying to make the interviewees understand the main aim of the exercise. Some of the interviewees took the exercise as offensive and personal to them, which limited the researchers in achieving some of the information. In this case, there was an incidence of misunderstandings of the older adult in Thailand during the activity.

Key Concept investigated

The important source of information for the study was actual individuals, that is, face to face communication of older adults through visiting their homes. The reason for the highlighted type of approach was relevant because the interviewees could be able to access ready information. Also, the approach is relevant as there is no critical barrier for communication between the interviewer and the interviewee, which gives clear information for the study (Zhou et al., 2018, p.27). The only limitation, in this case, might be a language barrier. There was confidentiality in the feedback of the interviewees, which was an added advantage for the researchers in this exercise. To be precise, the information, in this case, is directly from the source and allows the interviewer to get a full explanation about the barriers (McIntosh et al., 2016, p.274). Also, when there is unclear information about the interviewer’s explanations.

The other source is visiting health care centers to carry out the technique of interviewing doctors and relevant patients. For instance, there are several individuals in the society who are prescribed by the doctors to carry out physical exercise regarding their health situation (Gay et al., 2018, p.284). This type of source was relevant as it provided more information on the average time for one to participate in physical exercise. In this case, the information obtained was not biased. It is also important to note that the study also involved individuals who were in physical exercise facilities, such as gym and fieldwork activities. It involved interviewing gym instructors and coaches, also with older adults in the field participating in physical activities (Cascino et al., 2019, p.21). In this case, the information obtained was of importance to the studies as it aids in highlighting some of the strategies an older adult might take to overcome barriers to participating in physical exercise.

Variables

The primary factor of the barrier, which is important in this study, was door to door interviewing of the older adult in their respective homes, which was the dependent variable that the researchers were in need of. It was possible for the interviewers to ask questions regarding the interviewees’ daily routine since it gave much information concerning barriers that may hinder their participation in physical exercise (Tran et al., 2018, p.23). It was also accompanied by questionnaires as the dependent variable, which assisted in providing the background of the interview questions. The other sensitive variable, in this case, is the cost that an older individual needs to incur to participate in physical activities, which was the confounding variable in this case. The interviewers were able to get information based on the injury cases of the older individual due to their daily activities that involve physical activity (Tran et al., 2018, p13). Moreover, personal issues were also part of the variables in the exercise, indicating to be a confounding variable. According to Cascino et al., (2018, p.24), it entailed how people viewed the theme of the exercise. The other valuable variable was the sensitivity of the older adult to safety consideration while participating in physical exercise, which was also a confounding variable.

Sampling Strategies Used in Interviews

Chandra stresses on simple random technique as the essential approach in the study. It similar to the pilot method as the structure of operation signifies the identity, just like its convenience technique of sampling (Chandra et al., 2019, p.13). The strategy was to follow the study protocol and invite a maximum of 15 older adults as recruits to participate. In this case, the researchers used simple random by picking older individuals who are suitable for participation in the study. It further involved the testing of the recruits and the consent rate. It entailed an explanation of the theme of the study to create an understanding between the participants. The most essential is to pilot the measurement instruments, and in this case, it is questionnaires. Here, the questions in the questionnaires must be according to and in line with the aim of the activity. To be precise, the queries of the interviewers should focus on the theme of the study. Also, the questions should be clear enough for interviewees to understand and deliver proper reasonable feedback and information. In this case, the strategy was perfect since there was no involvement of jargon language. The study mainly excluded individuals who did not qualify for the activity, such as you adults and children. It also excluded older individuals who had a negative perception of the study.

Response

There was a positive response regarding the exercise where the interviewees could provide the interviewers with full details and profile about their physical exercise routine. The primary response format, in this case, was to fill in the blank spaces of questionnaires that an interviewer possesses. To be precise, it also provides a platform for the respondent to choose a manner for answering the questions. For instance, the setup consists of features like name, age, gender, and demographic data of the interviewees. In other cases, the response set up for the exercise also involved multi-option strategies of interviews. It provided the study with a platform where one can choose the options; he or she is comfortable with answering the questions.

Ethical issues

The study was relevant as it narrowed down the basic barriers to participating in physical education by older adults in Thailand. It is important for such a study to have a voluntary participant in educating a make the exercise legit and reasonable (Aily et al., 2018, p.21). Moreover, it is also important that the study information was obscured, which shows the confidentiality of the research activity. There was no distortion nor fabrication of information in the study, which signifies that the analysis of barriers to participating in the physical exercise was legit (Husted et al., 2020, p.23).

Lessons learned

The main lesson learned in this study was the time needed for an individual to practice physical exercise. In this case, it is important for researchers to consider studying how to create a good reliable, and sensible routine. It shows how to discipline someone is with time, which further indicates that there will be positive perception towards bodily exercise (Fong et al., 2020, p.3118). Furthermore, the researchers should consider analyzing how older individuals should limit their resting time to a convenient one to create a proper schedule for bodily activities. The other lesson is poor knowledge of physical exercise, hence causes laziness and negative views similar to the previous study (Mason et al., 2017, p.103). Moreover, it should show the older individuals in Thailand how to develop confidence in their ability to physically active. The previous exercise stressed on confidentiality issues of individuals, which also reflects on this study. Also, they may interact with trainers who will aid in motivation and support for older adults in Thailand to effectively participate in physical exercise (Malicka et al., 2019, p.685). In other cases, it is important for the researcher to analyze how older adults in Thailand enjoy physical exercise that improves their interest in the activity. Here, they will positively gain a different view of bodily exercise, as the previous research suggests.

Summary of Results and Findings

Based on the research analysis, the results suggest that an average of 45% of older individuals in Thailand practice physical exercise as their daily routine. Some of the remaining population of the older adults, that is, 20% carries out the physical exercise as part of the prescription from the doctor. The rest of the older individuals do not practice physical exercise regardless of their health and life situation. In this case, it is important that older individuals in Thailand consider physical exercise as an essential and vital factor in society today.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the study successfully analyzed the barriers of participating in physical education by older adults. Most of the barriers that were common were fear of injuries, lack of resources, and lack of facilities. The technique used in the research to gather information was vital and essential, which enabled the researchers to achieve the relevant information. For instance, the research utilized questionnaires as a method of data collection. Notably, the study used questionnaires with both closed-ended questions and open-ended questions. Open-ended questions were used because they provide detailed answers and enabled the researcher to achieve what was in the mind of the respondents freely. In addition, the study conducted interviews on a number of barriers to participating in physical activities and exercise in regards to the older adults in Thailand. This was carried out with the main aim of obtaining valid and precious information. The use of interviews greatly helped in gathering valid and reliable data that is relevant to research questions and objectives. The research also showed that older individuals do not participate in physical exercise. It is also important to note that other individuals lacked the time, which was a critical barrier for them in participation in physical exercise.

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