Competitive Sport and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Abstract

This study explores the impact of competitive sports on the quality of life in older adults, covering dimensions such as physical health, mental wellness, and social connectivity. It draws from the narratives of 30 older athletes who participated in the Thailand Master Games 2023, with equal representation of both genders (15 females and 15 males). From these narratives, three overarching themes emerged: “Keep fit and firm” (stories of avoiding pain and discomfort); “I can do it” (stories of achieving a positive feeling through sport competition); and “Love and Fun” (stories of friendship in sport competition). These themes collectively underscore how engaging in competitive sports can enhance one’s quality of life. Thus, the stories emphasized here demonstrate how competitive sports can improve a person’s quality of life in terms of pain and discomfort, psychological well-being, level of independence, and social relationships. This paper emphasizes, in addition to the standard benefits of competitive sports, the long-term effects on overall health and wellness.