Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 23;19(15):8950. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19158950.
Active participation in physical activity by older people is effective in improving their health. This research aims to examine the positive effects of participation in vigorous outdoor physical activities by older Chinese people in Hong Kong, and whether such effects would vary with socioeconomic background. A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent group design was used. A total of 22 participants were randomly assigned to participate in an outdoor physical activity program. Another 14 participants took part as a control group. The 14-item Self-Image of Aging Scale for Chinese Elders and the four-item self-report Subjective Happiness Scale were used to measure participants' self-image and overall happiness level. All participants completed the assessment before and after the program. Happiness level was enhanced in participants in the experimental group ( = 0.037) and their level of overall mental health also improved ( = 0.031, η = 0.129). Demographics did not have any significant effect on well-being outcomes. A structured outdoor physical activity program could be a viable choice for future practice to enhance the mental well-being of older Chinese people.
老年人积极参与体育活动可有效改善健康状况。本研究旨在探讨香港老年人参与剧烈户外活动的积极影响，以及这种影响是否会因社会经济背景而异。采用了准实验、非等组设计。共有 22 名参与者被随机分配参加户外体育活动计划，另有 14 名参与者作为对照组参加。使用了 14 项《中国老年人老化自我形象量表》和 4 项《主观幸福感量表》来衡量参与者的自我形象和整体幸福感水平。所有参与者在计划前后都完成了评估。实验组参与者的幸福感水平有所提高（=0.037），他们的整体心理健康水平也有所提高（=0.031，η=0.129）。人口统计学因素对幸福感结果没有显著影响。有组织的户外体育活动方案可能是未来增强中国老年人心理健康的可行选择。
