Examining layers of community in leisure contexts: A case analysis of older adults in an exercise intervention

Rylee Dionigi, Kevin Lyons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)
90 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper explores the dimensions of community that feature in the lives of older people involved in an exercise intervention. It uses McMillan and Chavis' (1986) theory of psychological sense of community as a sensitizing construct (Ragin, 1994). The results show that participants experienced a sense of community on different levels. They felt a sense of belonging and emotional connection to the gym environment, the University (including the researchers and students), and the broader community of 'active' older people. Influence and fulfilment of needs were not explicitly experienced in the exercise context, but on a broader community level. Therefore, the exercise context was a medium through which 'active' older people could feel a psychological sense of community within a 'healthy aging' culture
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-340
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Leisure Research
Volume42
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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