Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Open Access

THE INTEGRATION OF CULTURE AND IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION IN ELDERLY SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN GUANGZHOU: A MULTI-PERSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Download as PDF

Volume 3, Issue 1, Pp 15-22, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjsr3007

Author(s)

MengLong Xiao*, Zulezwan Bin Ab Malik

Affiliation(s)

University Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim 35900, Perak, Malaysia.

Corresponding Author

MengLong Xiao

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the role of sports activities in promoting cultural integration and identity construction among elderly individuals in Guangzhou, a multicultural urban center. It examines how traditional practices like tai chi and lion dance coexist and blend with modern activities such as yoga and Zumba, fostering social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting individual identity transformation. Findings highlight the interplay between cultural adaptation and sports as a medium for intergenerational and cross-cultural engagement. The study also provides actionable strategies for community initiatives and policy development to enhance elderly participation in culturally integrated sports.

KEYWORDS

Cultural integration; Elderly sports; Identity construction; Traditional sports; Multicultural urban context

CITE THIS PAPER

MengLong Xiao, Zulezwan Bin Ab Malik. The integration of culture and identity construction in elderly sports activities in Guangzhou: a multi-perspective analysis. World Journal of Sport Research. 2025, 3(1): 15-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjsr3007.

REFERENCES

[1] Berry J W. Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 1997, 46(1): 5–34.

[2] Chen Y, Zhang X, Wu J. Cultural integration and elderly sports participation in China: An empirical study of Guangzhou. Journal of Cultural Studies, 2020, 22(3): 112–124.

[3] Galloway T, Lee M, Evans J. The benefits of physical activity for older adults: A global perspective. International Journal of Aging and Exercise, 2017, 10(2): 155–168.

[4] Kegley S, Wenzel J. Nordic walking as an exercise for the elderly: A systematic review. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 2015, 38(1): 12–21.

[5] Li X, Zhang L. Globalization and its effects on urban sports practices in China: A case study of Guangzhou. Urban Studies Review, 2019, 35(4): 45–58.

[6] Liu F, Zhang X. Yoga and cultural adaptation among elderly Chinese: A comparative study of Guangzhou and Beijing. Journal of Global Health, 2020, 15(1): 77–89.

[7] Wang S, Li Q, Zhang H. The role of sports in cultural integration among elderly migrants in China. Social Sciences Journal, 2019, 14(2): 89–102.

[8] Wu H, Wu Z. The role of elderly sports in social cohesion in Chinese cities. Chinese Journal of Social Studies, 2018, 28(3): 56–72.

[9] Zhao Y, Li J. Square dancing and the social benefits for elderly women in China. Chinese Journal of Social Studies, 2019, 6(2): 54–67.

[10] Xu Z, Yu J. The cultural role of tai chi in contemporary Chinese society. Journal of Cultural Heritage Studies, 2017, 9(2): 133–145.

[11] Lee M. Preserving Cantonese traditions through lion dance. Asian Cultural Studies Review, 2018, 11(4): 212–226.

[12] Zhang X. Martial arts and senior citizens: Preserving cultural heritage in Guangzhou. Journal of Elderly Sports Studies, 2020, 15(3): 198–207.

[13] Wang J. Adapting yoga for the elderly: A case study in Guangzhou. International Journal of Aging and Exercise, 2019, 17(1): 45–60.

[14] Chen Y, Zhang J. Social roles and identity transformation through elderly sports participation: A case study of tai chi in Guangzhou. Journal of Aging Studies, 2021, 34(2): 111–124.

[15] Huang R, Xu S. Building social connections through square yoga: The role of collective sports in elderly social integration. Chinese Journal of Social Research, 2019, 12(1): 78–89.

All published work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. sitemap
Copyright © 2017 - 2025 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.   All Rights Reserved.