A NEW SPORTS PARADIGM FOR THE ELDERLY: ENHANCING WELL-BEING, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH COMPETITION
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Thailand is entering a fully aged society, resulting in an increasing emphasis on the role of sports as a tool for enhancing the well-being of older adults. This academic article aims to 1) analyze fundamental concepts and theories related to sports competitions for older adults within the contexts of active aging and successful aging; 2) synthesize a new conceptual model of sports competitions that promotes well-being, safety, and sustainability for the aging population; and 3) propose practical approaches and policy measures to advance senior sports competitions in accordance with the 7th National Sports Development Plan and the Thai social context. The study employs a systematic narrative literature review combined with analytical synthesis. The findings indicate that the concepts of active aging and successful aging can systematically explain the connections among motivation, participation, and the design of competitions tailored to the capabilities of older adults. The IWOCM (Integrated Wellness-Oriented Competition Model) was developed to propose essential elements of competitions that prioritize safety, diversity of activity formats, and the involvement of families, communities, and relevant sectors. Additionally, the article presents policy recommendations to support infrastructure development, human resource enhancement, and integration of plans at both national and local levels, with the aim of elevating senior sports competitions as a sustainable and meaningful mechanism for promoting well-being in Thai society. This framework serves as a foundation for the long-term development of academic knowledge in the field of recreational studies for older adults.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
References
Ashikali, E. M., Ludwig, C., Mastromauro, L., Périvier, S., Tholomier, A., Ionita, I., Graf, C., & Busnel, C. (2023). Intrinsic capacities, functional ability, physiological systems, and caregiver support: a targeted synthesis of effective interventions and international recommendations for older adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4382-4407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054382
Baker, J., Fraser-Thomas, J., Dionigi, R., & Horton, S. (2010). Sport participation and positive development in older persons. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 7(1), 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-009-0054-9
Beard, J. R., Officer, A., de Carvalho, I. A., Sadana, R., Pot, A. M., Michel, J. P., Lloyd-Sherlock, P., Epping-Jordan, J. E., Peeters, G., Mahanani, W. R., Thiyagarajan, J. A., & Chatterji, S. (2016). The world report on ageing and health: a policy framework for healthy ageing. Lancet (London, England), 387(10033), 2145-2154. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00516-4
Bull, F. C., Al-Ansari, S. S., Biddle, S., Borodulin, K., Buman, M. P., Cardon, G., Carty, C., Chaput, J. P., Chastin, S., Chou, R., Dempsey, P. C., DiPietro, L., Ekelund, U., Firth, J., Friedenreich, C. M., Garcia, L., Gichu, M., Jago, R., Katzmarzyk, P. T., … Willumsen, J. F. (2020). World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(24), 1451-1462. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955
Charness, N., & Boot, W. R. (2022). A grand challenge for psychology: reducing the age-related digital divide. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 31(2), 187-193. https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214211068144
Chodzko-Zajko, W. J. (2014). Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Kinesiology Review, 3(1), 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2014-0043
Crowther, M. R., Parker, M. W., Achenbaum, W. A., Larimore, W. L., & Koenig, H. G. (2002). Rowe and Kahn's model of successful aging revisited: positive spirituality the forgotten factor. The Gerontologist, 42(5), 613-620. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/42.5.613
Department of Older Persons. (2017). Senior friendship petanque tournament. https://www.dop.go.th/th/gallery/2/595
Dionigi, R. A., Baker, J., & Horton, S. (2011). Older athletes' perceived benefits of competition. The International Journal of Sport and Society, 2(2), 17-28. https://doi.org/10.18848/2152-7857/CGP/v02i02/53869
Dionigi, R. A., Horton, S., & Baker, J. (2013). Negotiations of the ageing process: older adults' stories of sports participation. Sport, Education and Society, 18(3), 370-387. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2011.589832
Fragala, M. S., Cadore, E. L., Dorgo, S., Izquierdo, M., Kraemer, W. J., Peterson, M. D., & Ryan, E. D. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the national strength and conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(8), 2019-2052. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003230
Geard, D., Reaburn, P. R. J., Rebar, A. L., & Dionigi, R. A. (2017). Masters athletes: exemplars of successful aging? Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 25(3), 490-500. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2016-0050
Geidl, W., Schlesinger, S., Mino, E., Miranda, L., & Pfeifer, K. (2020). Dose-response relationship between physical activity and mortality in adults with noncommunicable diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(1), 109-126. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01007-5
Heart, T., & Kalderon, E. (2013). Older adults: are they ready to adopt health-related ICT? International Journal of Medical Informatics, 82(11), 209-231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2011.03.002
Henriksen, A., Mikalsen, M. H., Woldaregay, A. Z., Muzny, M., Hartvigsen, G., Hopstock, L. A., & Grimsgaard, S. (2018). Using fitness trackers and smartwatches to measure physical activity in research: analysis of consumer wrist-worn wearables. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(3), 110-128. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.9157
Heo, J., Culp, B., Yamada, N., & Won, Y. (2013). Promoting successful aging through competitive sports participation: insights from older adults. Qualitative Health Research, 23(1), 105-113. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732312457247
International Masters Games Association. (2023). About IMGA. https://imga.ch/about-imga/
International Masters Games Association. (2024). All masters games. https://imga.ch/about-the-masters-games/all-masters-games/
Izquierdo, M., Merchant, R. A., Morley, J. E., Anker, S. D., Aprahamian, I., Arai, H., Aubertin-Leheudre, M., Bernabei, R., Cadore, E. L., Cesari, M., Chen, L. K., de Souto Barreto, P., Duque, G., Ferrucci, L., Fielding, R. A., García-Hermoso, A., Gutiérrez-Robledo, L. M., Harridge, S. D. R., Kirk, B., … Singh, M. F. (2021). International exercise recommendations in older adults (ICFSR): expert consensus guidelines. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 25(7), 824-853. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-021-1665-8
Jenkin, C. R., Eime, R. M., Westerbeek, H., & van Uffelen, J. G. Z. (2018). Sport for adults aged 50+ years: participation benefits and barriers. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 26(3), 363-371. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2017-0092
Michard, F., Gan, T. J., & Kehlet, H. (2017). Digital innovations and emerging technologies for enhanced recovery programmes. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 119(1), 31-39. https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aex140
Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, National Statistical Office. (2025). The 2024 survey of the older persons in Thailand Provincial level. Health and Social Statistics Group, Social Statistics Division, National Statistical Office.
Ministry of Tourism and Sports. (2024). The 16th Thailand senior sports and recreation games "Muang Kan Games". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Daabfcozr8g
Muellmann, S., Forberger, S., Möllers, T., Bröring, E., Zeeb, H., & Pischke, C. R. (2018). Effectiveness of health interventions for the promotion of physical activity in older adults: a systematic review. Preventive Medicine, 108(2018), 93-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.12.026
National Economic and Social Development Council. (2021). Working-age population decreasing: NESDC. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30380560
Nong Om Subdistrict Administrative Organization. (2024). Senior citizen school sports competition. https://nongom.go.th/index/?page=picture0128anddetail=ZfDeJmGLk
Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports. (2024). Press conference for the handover ceremony of hosting the 17th senior sports and recreation games of Thailand 2025, "Korat Games," in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. https://province.mots.go.th/ewtadmin/ewt/prachuapkhirikhan/news_view.php?nid=871
Ryan, R. M., & Patrick, H. (2009). Self-determination theory and physical. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 6(2), 107-124.
Sato, M., Jordan, J. S., & Funk, D. C. (2015). Distance running events and life satisfaction: a longitudinal study. Journal of Sport Management, 29(4), 347-361. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsm.2013-0164
Siamsport. (2022). Thai senior professional golf association set to host tournament on course 5, September 25-27. https://www.thaiseniorpga.com/m/
Siamsport. (2024). Senior football association announces the organization of “SFA LEAGUE 2024”-17th edition. https://www.siamsport.co.th/football-thailand/th-other/51445/
Smith, G. L., Banting, L., Eime, R., O'Sullivan, G., & van Uffelen, J. G. Z. (2017). The association between social support and physical activity in older adults: a systematic review. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14(1), 56-76. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0509-8
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: an overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104(2019), 333-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Sports Authorithy of Thailand. (2024). The 6th national senior sports games: "Muang Ong Games". https://muangonggames.sat.or.th/index.asp
Sports Authorithy of Thailand. (2025). Announcement by the sports authority of Thailand: regulations and application form for the 7th national senior sports games (2025), "Khao Lam Games," Chonburi Province. https://www.sat.or.th
Stenner, B. J., Buckley, J. D., & Mosewich, A. D. (2020). Reasons why older adults play sport: a systematic review. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 9(6), 530-541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2019.11.003
Swinnen, N., Vandenbulcke, M., & Vancampfort, D. (2022). Exergames in people with major neurocognitive disorder: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(4), 376-389. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1785566
Teixeira, E., Fonseca, H., Diniz-Sousa, F., Veras, L., Boppre, G., Oliveira, J., Pinto, D., Alves, A. J., Barbosa, A., Mendes, R., & Marques-Aleixo, I. (2021). Wearable devices for physical activity and healthcare monitoring in elderly people: a critical review. Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 6(2), 38-56. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics6020038
Thailand Aquatics Association. (2022). Thailand senior swimming championship 2019. http://tsa.dosetech.co/Index/DetailCompetition?CompetitionId=4290andTypeId=5
Tongterm, T. (2025). Active aging through sports: challenges and opportunities for sports scientists. Journal of Roi Et Rajabhat University: Science and Technology, 6(1), 50-64.
