"Patterson and colleagues (2022) were interested in how mature women, specifically, maintained and developed a positive body image in a culture that emphasizes youthfulness, physical fitness, and beauty in these classes. They looked into the experiences of 14 women (a small sample size, which may be a limitation of the findings), aged 65 and older, who regularly attended a variety of such classes as low-impact aerobics, seated muscular conditioning, indoor cycle, water aerobics, Pilates, Zumba, and yoga in a Canadian recreation center."
"They interviewed women who had participated in group exercise for anywhere from two to 35 years and were currently attending at least three classes every week. Being healthy and functional The participants' body image perceptions were complex. While some possible weight loss was considered "nice," it was relatively unimportant, as most participants explicitly desired to be healthy and functional. Physical activity continued to be a vital part of their lives as mature women."
Aging changes body appearance and function, and mature women navigate these changes while seeking positive body image. Fourteen women aged 65 and older regularly attended varied instructor-led group exercises, participating from two to 35 years and attending at least three classes weekly. Participants prioritized being healthy and functional over weight loss and found physical activity essential to feeling well. Exercising with peers at a similar life stage fostered belonging and uplifted mood. Empathetic, skilled fitness professionals facilitated celebration of bodily capabilities and supported positive perceptions of aging bodies.
Read at Psychology Today
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