An exploration of physical literacy in Masters Athletes.

Abstract

Sport participation among older adults, is increasing, but many still fall short of meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines. Master athletes, who engage in PA through systematic training, and competition, offer unique insights into PA practices in later life. This study explored whether master athletes embody the principles of physical literacy and how their experiences could inform strategies to promote PA among older adults. An electronic survey completed by 35 master athletes (55-75 years, 20 female) and follow-up interviews with eight participants revealed that most were unfamiliar with the term "physical literacy," yet they intuitively practiced its principles. Master athletes identified parallels between their behaviors and physical literacy but viewed existing models as primarily youth-focused and less applicable to older adults. Additionally, lifelong sport participation was not universal; nine participants, predominantly women, began competitive sports later in life. A key finding was the importance of social connectedness, which emerged as a critical motivator and enabler for sustained PA among master athletes. This element, largely absent from current physical literacy frameworks, may be vital for engaging older adults in PA. Integrating social connection into physical literacy models could address barriers unique to this demographic, enhancing participation and promoting healthier aging.