Social support network of older people in physical activity programs

Objective:  To analyze the relationship between participation in physical activity groups and the social support network of older people.

Methods:  This was an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study, carried out in 2024, with older people participating in physical activity groups. The study included 25 older people (71.0 ± 5.1), 80% of whom were women, who answered a socio-demographic questionnaire, took part in a semi-structured interview about how the physical activity program worked and the benefits and reasons for taking part, and were assessed using the Escort Di-agram to evaluate the structure and function of their social support network.

Results:  Approximately 38% of the participants’ social support networks were members of the physical activity group, with an average of three members for each participant. Around 90% of the bonds in the group members’ network were classified as friendships. The category “building and strengthening bonds” was cited as the main motivation for the participation in and benefits of the program (60%). Activity Physical Program participants were mentioned at all three levels of the social support network established by the Escort Diagram, with values of 28.1%, 33.3%, and 66.7% at the first, second and third levels, respectively. Around 10% cited the group participants as their emergency contact and 5% cited the program teacher.

Conclusion:  The structure and function of the social support network of physical activity participants relies significantly on group members in terms of the quantity and quality of relationships and support.

Keywords:
Social support; Elderly; Physical activity; Program; Interpersonal relationship.