Older gay men's perceptions of physical activity across the lifespan

Damon Kendrick

doi:10.25918/thesis.593

Gay men are reported to experience disproportionately poorer health outcomes than heterosexual men. Many of the health conditions experienced can be responsive to engagement in physical activity; yet gay men appear to participate in less. Further understanding of why they engage, or disengage, is required. Limited research has investigated how lifelong experiences influence older gay men’s interaction with physical activity. Therefore, this research investigated how self-identified cisgender gay men aged 60 and over perceive, construe, and engage in physical activity across their lives. The research questions sought to gain insight into older gay men’s experiences and perceptions of physical activity, and their choices in early life and beyond, in relation to overall health. Drawing on the Health Equity Promotion Model as a theoretical framework, the aim was to investigate the phenomenology of health, physical activity, age, and sexuality. Guided by the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology, this research co-constructed each participants' perceptions of their engagement or disengagement in physical activity over time. Twenty-one participants were recruited from social groups with substantial memberships of gay men aged 60 and over. Online interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis, consistent with hermeneutic-phenomenological interpretation. Each participants’ narrative was interpreted into themes: Collectively, early experiences included “Primary school sport was unpleasant”, “Sport was violence”, “My masculinity was denigrated”, and “I hate sport”. Perceptions of physical activity included: “Health is a motivator for physical activity”, “Physical activity enhances my attractiveness”, “Solo activities are enjoyable”, “Gay sports and activity groups form my family of choice”. Finally, those focused on health in ageing were: “You get a lot of things you don't get a say in”, “You accept whatever’s dished out”, “You've got to look after your body”, and “It’s time to do something where I have some control”. This research contributes insights into how lifelong minority stress, heteronormative expectations of sport, and ageing intersect to influence physical activity trajectories among older gay men. The findings highlight the need for physical activity professionals and health promotion practitioners to recognise the enduring impact of homophobic sporting environments and to design programs that reduce barriers to participation. Further research suggested includes an extensive survey of physical activity engagement in gay men of all ages. Additionally, a qualitative study to achieve a deeper understanding of what it means for older gay men to consistently engage in healthy and productive physical activity pursuits is suggested.

Older gay men's perceptions of physical activity across the lifespan

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Older gay men's perceptions of physical activity across the lifespan

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