Physical activity and human development among older native American women

Physical activity involvement often changes as an individual gets older. Th e purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the involvement in a nd meanings of physical activity from childhood to the present among a sele cted group of Native American women. The results showed that perceived mean ings of physical activity remained relatively stable over the lives of thes e women. Two patterns tf involvement emerged among the women: decliners and rejuvenators. TI re results suggested that physical activity as women aged was a result not of choice as often as of a life situation. Furthermore, t he changes occurring in ph: physical activity over the life course reflecte d social and cultural influences, as well as individual self-determination. The findings indicated that a variety of perspectives are needed if resear chers are to understand the changes that occur in physical activity pattern s and how both women and men of all ethnic groups might remain involved in physical activity throughout their lives.