FRAMEWORK FOR "LEISURE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL WELL-BEING: THE IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN SPORTS ON ELDERLY HEALTH IN GUANGZHOU"
Volume 2, Issue 1, Pp 24-29, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/phbs3007
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 explores the impact of traditional and modern sports on the physical and mental well-being of elderly individuals in Guangzhou, a city with a diverse cultural heritage. Using qualitative methods, the research highlights how traditional activities like tai chi and lion dance promote cultural identity and intergenerational connections, while modern sports such as yoga and square dancing improve flexibility, stress relief, and social inclusion. Key findings reveal the interplay between Leisure physical activity, cultural relevance, and social dynamics, with recommendations for tailored community initiatives and government support to enhance elderly participation in sports.
KEYWORDS
Elderly health; Leisure physical activity; Traditional sports; Modern sports; Cultural integration
CITE THIS PAPER
MengLong Xiao, Zulezwan Bin Ab Malik. Framework for "leisure physical activity and mental well-being: the impact of traditional and modern sports on elderly health in Guangzhou". Psychology, Health, and Behavioral Sciences. 2025, 2(1): 24-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/phbs3007.
REFERENCES
[1] Nelson M E, Rejeski W J, Blair S N, et al. Physical activity and public health in older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2007, 39(8): 1435–1445.
[2] ts Medicine, 2011, 45(4): 294–300.
[3] Li F, Harmer P, Fitzgerald K, et al. Tai chi and fall prevention in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2012, 60(4): 841–848.
[4] Rebar A L, Stanton R, Geard D, et al. Evidence that exercise improves self-esteem. Health Psychology Review, 2015, 9(1): 1–15.
[5] Blumenthal J A, Smith P J, Hoffman B M, et al. Exercise and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Psychosomatic Medicine, 1999, 61(5): 665–675.
[6] Chen L, Wang H, Xu X, et al. The effects of group exercise on elderly mental health. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2020, 26(3): 349–360.
[7] Wayne P M, Fuerst M L, Manor B, et al. Tai chi and mindfulness: A systematic review. Mindfulness, 2013, 4(2): 140–152.
[8] Yang X, Sun Y, Zhang L, et al. Cultural values and participation in tai chi. Asian Journal of Gerontology, 2017, 9(2): 128–136.
[9] Lan C, Fang W, Huang J, et al. Tai chi and health promotion in older adults. Sports Medicine, 2013, 43(5): 425–433.
[10] Zhou S, Zhang Q, Wang Z, et al. The localization of yoga in China. Journal of Global Health, 2019, 15(3): 256–264.
[11] Wu Y, Yu Y, Zhang Z, et al. Square dancing and health outcomes in urban China. Journal of Urban Health, 2016, 93(5): 831–841.
[12] Wang H, Chen X, Zhang J, et al. Barriers to participation in physical activity among elderly Chinese. Journal of Aging Studies, 2015, 35(1): 12–20.
[13] Bailey R. Evaluating the relationship between physical education, sport, and social inclusion. Educational Review, 2005, 57(1): 71–90.
[14] Dong X, Zhu S, Chen L, et al. Aging and cultural differences in group-based exercise. International Journal of Gerontology, 2018, 12(4): 295–300.
[15] Tajfel H, Turner J C. The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. Psychology of Intergroup Relations, 1986, 7(3): 276–293.