Although doctors emphasize the importance of doing regular exercises for old people, these recommendations seem to be neglected by the majority of the elderly. While this can be attributed to social norms in some countries and a lack of sporting facilities, changing our attitude towards older people and providing sufficient opportunities for exercise can improve the situation.
Deeply embedded social norms can be one factor preventing older people from doing physical activities. In many cultures, older people are expected to spend their retirement in a rather conventional way: by taking care of grandchildren, socializing with friends and neighbors, or relaxing at home. Take my country – Uzbekistan. Old people who want to do something unconventional with their free time by going to the cinema or doing sports are often met with criticism by friends and relatives. Knowing this, most old people feel reluctant to do sports.
Additionally, despite the recent changes to urban designs, many areas, especially those far from the city, still fail to offer enough sporting facilities. People from these places usually have to commute to the gym spending much time and energy. This extra burden can deter people from engaging in sports, regardless of their age.
However, there are several ways by which the situation can be alleviated. One requires a major shift in our attitude towards older people who want to exercise. If family members and friends were more supportive of them, old people would feel more encouraged and obligated to take physical activities. This support can take various forms, such as hiring a personal trainer, buying a gym subscription, or exercising together.
Moreover, offering enough exercise opportunities should be prioritized by urban engineers. Once the government ensures that there is a gym or pitch within walking distance, people, whether they be older or younger, are likely to become more willing to do sports. Having sporting facilities nearby can also help create a culture, in which doing sports is viewed positively, encouraging people to do it more.
In conclusion, the main reasons behind the unpopularity of sports among the elderly are societal norms and insufficient sporting facilities. However, once we change our view of the elderly and provide them with enough opportunities for engaging in physical exercise, they might become more encouraged to do sports.