Friendships forged in fitness: an ethnography of older women’s social experiences at a community fitness center
Date
2022
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Publisher
Alaska Anthropological Association
Abstract
Gerontological research demonstrates that the social relationships forged by older women at community and fitness centers can be long-lasting and provide a variety of supportive functions. Research shows that participants, especially older women, are more likely to adhere to a fitness program when they have social supports. Older adults enjoy and respond well to pool- or water-based aerobic exercises that are safe on the joints and provide a comfortable environment away from the gym’s intimidating nature. Therefore, water-based classes provided at community fitness centers are well positioned to provide ample social opportunities to further reinforce continued physical activity for older women, resulting in health and quality-of-life improvements. However, anthropological and ethnographic research into friendship formation and maintenance among older American women is lacking in the literature. This project was a three-month ethnographic exploration of the social relationships created and maintained in the context of water-based fitness classes (water aerobics) at a local community center attended primarily by white older adults (aged 50+). The friendships forged by women in the pool provide a variety of social supports that help to maintain healthy-aging outcomes among participants. Using a Grounded Theory approach, this study utilized participant observation, semistructured key informant interviews, and survey questionnaires to provide a holistic anthropological investigation of the important physical, social, and mental health benefits that fitness center friendships can have on the daily lives of older women in urban Alaska.
Description
copyright Alaska Journal of Anthropology 2022
Keywords
Fitness, ethnography, older women, social experiences, fitness center, social supports
Citation
Howell, B. M., Hanson, B. L., & Wanner, S. friendships forged in fitness: an ethnography of older women’s social experiences at a community fitness center. Alaska Antropological Association
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Except where otherwised noted, this item's license is described as © Copyright 2022, Alaska Anthropological Association