OriginalScientificArticle ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland:Exploring PerceptionsandMotivationstoFacilitateand PromoteMeaningfulPhysicalActivity AngieHartnett Technical University Dublin,Grangegorman, Ireland d16127666@mytudublin.ie CatherineGorman Technical University Dublin,Grangegorman, Ireland catherine.gorman@tudublin.ie Thelifeexpectancyoftheworldpopulationisincreasingandtheartofagingwell isofglobalinterest(EuropeanCommission,n.d.).InIreland,thenumberofpeople overthe ageof60 will increasefrom 1.1 million currently,to 2.44 million by 2041, constitutingnearlyonethirdofitstotalpopulation(InstituteofPublicHealth,2018). Despitethebenefitsofregularphysicalactivity(pa),particularlywiththefrail(≥65 yearsandrequiringawalkingaid),ratesofparticipationremainlow(Colleyetal., 2011).Healthconcernsraised,suchassmokingandweightissues,aremoreprevalent inthiscohort(Witcheretal.,2016).Currently,whentheyreachacertainage, pa is notseenasbeneficialandolderadultsrefrainfromparticipatingin pa (Witcheret al., 2016), particularly post-retirement (Chaudhury and Shelton, 2010). Education oftheolderpopulationconcerningthebenefitsof pa iscritical,and pa perceptions andbehavioursmustbeexaminedbothcontextuallyandhistorically(Witcheretal., 2016)toprovidegreaterclarityandunderstanding.Inordertodevelopamorecom- prehensive, inclusive policy for active ageing in Ireland, particularly rural Ireland, weneedtoreflectontheresearchtodate.Thisconceptualpaperdevelopsaframe- workofmeaning-makingtoactiveleisure,focusingonperceptionsandmotivations ofaruralbasedpopulation.Italsoexaminestheimpactofbeingphysicallyactiveon participatingintourisminthispopulationandhowIrelandistargetingthisgrowing oldermarketforvariousformsoftourismactivity.Anunhealthypopulationbrings afinancialburdentothecountry.Encouragingahealthierlifestylewhichincludes moremeaningfulactiveleisure,facilitatinganengagementwithtourism,isrequired toenablethiscohorttoage healthilyandwelland thusreduce the cost associated withanageingpopulation. Keywords:ageingpopulation,rural,physicalactivity,perceptions,motivations, tourism https://doi.org/10.26493/2335-4194.15.65-80 Introduction Irelandisasmallislandsituatedonthenorth-western edge of Europe on the north-eastern fringe of the Atlantic. The Republic of Ireland measures 70,273 square kilometres whilst Northern Ireland measures approximately14,136squarekilometres(IrishGeneal- AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 |65 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland ogy Toolkit, n.d.). In April 2021, Ireland had an es- timated population of 5.01 million, which is the first timesincethe1851censusthatthepopulationhasrisen above5million(CentralStatisticsOffice,n.d.b).The industry is broken down into agriculture (0.9), in- dustry (35.18) and services (56.72) (Statista, n.d.) and the current minimum wage is estimated to be €1,755(Eurostat,2022). TheStatePension(Contributory),oftenreferredto astheold-agepension,ispaidtopeoplefromtheage of 66 who have enough Pay Related Social Insurance (prsi)contributions.Mostemployersandemployees (over16yearsofageandunder66)pay prsi contribu- tionsintothenationalSocialInsuranceFund,whichis generallyacceptedasacompulsorycontribution,and the weekly State Pension payable to eligible individ- ualsis€248.30perweek(CitizenInformationBoard, n.d.).Inaddition,65ofworkersinemploymentaged 20–69yearshaveoccupationalandpersonalpension coverofsomeformoutsideoftheStatePensiontosup- plementthisincome(CentralStatisticsOffice,n.d.a). TheprofileoftheIrishpopulationischangingand becomingmoreaged.Thenumberofpeopleoverthe ageof65,willincreasefromanestimatedoneinseven (14), totalling 696, 300 in 2019, to one in 4 (26), doubling to almost 1.6 million by 2051 (Sheehanand O’Sullivan,2020). In the Republic of Ireland, 44 of rural dwellers areovertheageof65(Walshetal.,2012),andthereisa starkdifferenceindistributionbetweenmen(44,040 or 18.8) and women (190,217 or 81.2), which con- trasts significantly between the general population distribution of 2,354,428 men (49.44) and 2,407,437 (50.56)womenrecordedinthe2016census(Central StatisticsOffice,2017). Lackofstudiesofphysicalactivityandolderadults inaruralcontextmakesthisareaofresearchchalleng- ing.Thestudiestodateeitherfocusonactiveleisure orsports participationoftheolderadultin anurban context(Etmanetal.,2016;Sugimotoetal.,2014)or retirement community (Vaitkevicius et al., 2002), or, wherethestudytakesplaceinaruralsetting,thepar- ticipantsareeithernotolderadults,orovertheageof 65(Mitchelletal.,2014),orthestudiesdonottestor assessleisureandsportactivityprogrammes,tending ratherto focus on factors contributing to exercise or the lack thereof (Boehm et al., 2013). Where studies occurinamixedpopulationofbothurbanandrural older adult dwellers, the studies focus on identifying correlatesofsportparticipation(Murtaghetal.,2015; Yamakita et al., 2015). Definitions differ between the different scientific disciplinesandneedtobeconsidered.Mostresearch papersrefertotheelderlyasbeing65yearsandover (Yamakita et al., 2015), with the Japanese further cat- egorisingthisgroupintoyoungold(65–74yearsold) (Sugimoto et al., 2014), old (over 75 years) (Ouchi et al.,2017)andthoseabove80yearsofagereferredtoas old-old(Asher,2013).InIrelandtheterm‘olderpeople’ washistoricallyappliedtoindividualsofstatepension- able age (Walsh & Harvey, 2011), which increased to 66yearsin2018(CitizenInformationBoard,n.d.)as ameansofcopingwiththeageingpopulation.Asthe CentralStatisticsOfficeuses5-yearageincrementsin Irelandwenowclassthoseovertheageof65yearsas ‘elderly,’whichislinewiththesystememployedinthe restofEurope(Walsh&Harvey,2011). AfurtherclassificationbytheNationalCouncilfor Ageing and Older People in Ireland describes those overtheageof80yearsas‘olderelderly’or‘frailel- derly’ (Walsh & Harvey, 2011). However, studies do vary with definitions of≥60 years (Roh et al., 2015; Murtagh et al., 2015; Asher, 2013) being referenced. Discrepancy exists as to the definition, with older adultsreferredtoinAustralianresearch(Boehmetal., 2013)as50yearsoroverwhilstinFinland,Sarvimäki andStenbock-Hult(2000)describeoldageas75years andolder–adifferenceof25years. Despite thedefinitionof‘elderly’ varyingbetween countries,theWorldHealthOrganisation(who)uses 65yearsofagetodescribetheolderperson,andthisis themostcommonlyaccepteddefinition. Language is also of the utmost importance when describinganolderpopulationwithtermslike‘elderly,’ ‘old’or‘aged’seenasdiscriminatoryoroffensiveand alternativeslike‘seniors,’‘older’or‘mature’adultsrec- ommended (Flinders University, n.d.). Older adults, 65yearsandover,willbeusedtodescribethiscohort goingforward. Terminology is also a limiting factor with lack of 66 | AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland cleardefinitionsoftermsresultingintheinterchange- ableuseofideasorconceptslikephysicalactivity(pa), leisure time physical activity (ltpa) and sport par- ticipation.Definitionof pa acrossstudiesvarywhich makescomparisonofdatadifficultaccordingtoasys- temicreviewof pa inolderpeopleby(Sunetal.,2013). Thedefinitionandmeaningoftheterm pa needtobe clarifiedin regardtoindividuals ascurrentlyabroad definition is accepted to include a variety of activi- ties outside of the definition of pa, where being ac- tive and busy is deemed to be synonymous with pa (Witcher et al., 2016). ‘Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles thatrequiresenergyexpenditure’andphysicalinactiv- ity(lackofphysicalactivity)hasbeenidentifiedasthe fourthleadingriskfactorforglobalmortality(World HealthOrganization,n.d.). Thisdefinitionispurposefullybroadtoencompass allmodesof pa.‘Alltypesof pa areofinterest,includ- ingactiveplay,walkingorcyclingfortransport,dance, traditionalactive games and recreationalgames,gar- deningandhousework,aswellassportordeliberate exercise’(GetIrelandActive!NationalPhysicalActivity PlanforIreland,n.d.,p.5).Sunetal.(2013)assertthat pa comprises leisure-time pa (ltpa), occupational pa, household pa and transport pa and yet studies in Ireland do not focus on ltpa, focusing rather on participation in sport, recreational walking, cycling fortransportandwalkingfortransport(SportIreland ipsos&mrbi,2019).Thismakesanalysisofpaen- gagementdifficult. In ordertodevelopa morecomprehensive,inclu- sive policy for active ageing in Ireland, particularly rural Ireland, we need to reflect on the research to date. This conceptual paper, by examining existing data (secondary research), develops a frame-workof meaning-makingtoactiveleisureinarural,older(65 yearsandolder),Irishpopulation,byfocusingonper- ceptions and motivations to exercise. Furthermore, it examines the impact of being physically active on participating in tourism in this population and how Irelandistargetingthisgrowingoldermarketforvar- ious forms of tourism. This has been highlighted in a recent report conducted by Golden Ireland (Irish travelwebsiteexclusivelyforthe activelyretired)ex- Table 1 Estimated pafs,CalculatedwithAdjusted RelativeRisks,forCoronaryHeartDisease,Type2 Diabetes,BreastCancer,ColonCancer,and All-CauseMortalityAssociatedwithPhysical Inactivity,by who RegionandCountry Disease Global average European average Ireland CoronaryHeartDisease . . . TypeDiabetes . . . BreastCancer . . . ColonCancer . . . Notes Inpercent.AdaptedfromLeeetal.(2012). aminingtheseniorstravelmarketbetweenSeptember 2020 and June 2021; 75 of those surveyed planned to travel in Ireland during this period and 75 take 2–3 leisure trips per annum, 61 in Ireland and 14 abroad(McGlynn,n.d.). ImportanceofPAandIrishParticipationLevels Ageingencompassesboththebiologicalchanges(mo- lecular and cellular damage) and life transitions (re- tirement,experienceofdeath)asoneadvancesinage (World Health Organization, 2021). An aging popu- lation makes increased demands on the government in terms of healthcare. Prince et al. (2015) have re- portedthat23 ofthetotalglobalburdenofdisease canbeattributedtothoseaged60andaboveandthese challenges are heightened by a lack of pa (Murtagh et al., 2015). Being physically active maintains health and reducesthe decline in physical function (Etman et al., 2016) which in turn reduces health costs. Dis- turbingly,Irishstatisticsareworsethanboththeglobal andtheEuropeanaverageforcoronaryheartdisease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer, with lackof pa deemedresponsible(Leeetal.,2012).This ishighlightedinTable1,whichusesthepopulationat- tributablefraction(paf),ameasureusedbyepidemi- ologists to estimate the effect of a risk factor, in this caselackof pa,ondiseaseincidenceinapopulation (Leeetal.,2012). Numerous benefits to pa have been explored by TheIrishLongitudinalStudyonAgeing(tilda).Irish adultswhoreporthighlevelsof pa havehigherlevels AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 |67 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland ofself-ratedhealth,enjoybetterqualityoflife(qol), displayclinicallydepressivesymptomslesscommonly, havelowerlonelinessscores,engagemorefrequently in active and social activities and volunteer more in comparisontoadultswithlowlevelsof pa (Donoghue et al., 2016, p. 16). There are also numerous social, physicalandpsychologicalbenefitstoenjoyinganac- tivelifestyleandthereisadirectlinkbetween pa and life expectancy, with physically active individuals or populations living longer than inactive or sedentary ones(eu PhysicalActivityGuidelines, 2008,p.3). Participationratesareinfluencedbyageascanbe observed by the significant difference in activity lev- els betweenthose aged50–64 yearsclassed as highly active (31) compared to 18 of the ≥65 year olds (Perceptive Insight, 2015). Rural and urban discrep- anciesin pa havealsobeenhighlighted(VanDycket al.,2010;Witcheretal.,2016),demonstratingthatirre- spectiveofageandlifeexperiences,ruraldwellerstend towalkorexerciselessthanurbandwellers.In rural communities particularly, where pa has been largely showntobeatitslowestintheolderpopulation,health concernsarealsoraisedassmokingandweightissues aremoreprevalentinthiscohort(Witcheretal.,2016). LackofKnowledge Despite the benefits of regular pa, particularly with the frailand ruralpopulations, ratesof participation remain low (Colley et al., 2011). This could possibly be explained by the fact that despite acknowledging the benefits of pa, when the seniors reach a certain agetheyfeelthattherewouldbelimitedimprovement intheirphysicalstrengthorability,andsubsequently refrain from participating, feeling that it would be ‘pointless’ for them (Witcher et al., 2016). Broderick et al. (2015) echoed this sentiment, determining that outcomeexperiencesweredirectlyrelatedtoageand thatthose aged between79 and 85 yearsdeemedex- ercisetobesomethingbeneficialforyoungerpeople, rather than for themselves, who were seen to be be- yondit.Itcouldalsobeduetoalackofknowledgeon whatconstitutesadequate pa fortheiragegroup. Guidelinesforadultsaged18–64 yearsareatleast 30minutesadayofmoderateactivityon5daysaweek (or150minutesaweek)whichisconsistentwiththat recommendedforadults≥64,withanadditionalfocus tobeplacedonaerobicactivity,muscle-strengthening andbalance(TheDepartmentofHealthandChildren, HealthServiceExecutive,2009,pp.13,15).Ofconcern isthatnotevenhalfoftheIrishindividuals(≥50years) surveyedbyPerceptiveInsight(42)hadheardofthe NationalPhysicalActivityGuidelinesandofthosethat hadheardofthem,only13couldcitethemcorrectly (PerceptiveInsight,2015,p.5).Thereis,therefore,an urgentneedtoeducatetheIrishpopulationastothe recommendedlevelsof pa perweekandthebenefits of this regular engagement to promote and enhance ournational pa levels.Inwave1ofthe tilda study (Donoghueetal.,2016,p.6),2009–2011resultsshow thatonly33oftheIrishpopulationovertheageof50 are meeting the required levels of high activity with men (41) achieving substantially greater standards thanwomen(26).WhencomparingIreland’slevels of pa to fifteen European countries, Pi˛ atkowska and Pilsudski (2012) determined that Ireland ranked 9th outof16countriesinhigh pa levels(29vs31.3Eu- ropeanaverage)and11th(34.7)comparedtotheEu- ropeanaverageof31whenexamininglow pa levels. InbothinstancesIrelandisperformingbelowtheEu- ropeanaverage. PerceptionsofActiveLeisureandPA pa is influenced by our own views and perceptions of ageing and the older adult. ‘Perception is the pro- cess by which individuals select, organize,and inter- pret stimuli into a meaningful and coherent picture of the world’ (Schiffman & Wisenblit, 2015), and dif- fersamongindividualsaseachpersonprocessesthese stimulibasedontheirownpersonalneeds,valuesand expectations.Individualsthencarrybiasedpicturesin theirmindsofthemeaningsofvariousstimuli,which aretermedstereotypes(Schiffman&Wisenblit,2015). TheOxfordEnglishDictionarydefinesastereotype asa‘widelyheldbutfixedandoversimplifiedimageor ideaofaparticulartypeofpersonorthing.’Whenage stereotypesbecomedirectedatoneselfinoldage,they can be classified as self-perceptions of ageing (Levy, 2009). Stereotypes and how we perceive ourselves and othersinfluenceifandhowweexercise.Negativeper- 68 | AcademicaT uristica,Y ear15,No.1,April2022 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland ceptionsoftheolderadultcanbeinternalisedfroma youngagesothatthesebeliefsareseentobetrueof themselvesastheyage.Negativestereotypesoriginally aboutothersthenbecomenegativeself-perceptionsof aging in later life (Robertson et al., 2015) and the ef- fectofself-perceptionsincreaseswithage(Levyetal., 2002). How the older adult perceives they are viewed in society also impacts on their pa behaviour. Egan et al.(2014)reportedthatnegativepublicperceptionsof olderpeople,influencedbystereotypicalviewsofage- ing,createdabarriertoparticipation. Misconceptionsregardingtheeffectsof pa on ill- nessorfunctionallimitationshinderparticipationas someindividualsdeem pa tobecontra-indicatedfor conditions like arthritis and joint or heart problems whenactuallytheconverseistrueandpaisstrongly recommended for older adults with chronic diseases orfunctionallimitations(Nelsonetal.,2007). Sargent-Coxetal.(2012)haveprovidedinsightinto the dynamic relationship between expectations re- garding health and resultant physical function, with generalnegativeperceptionsofageingassociatedwith adeclineinphysicalfunction.Thisphenomenonwas also observed by Robertson et al. (2015), who deter- minedthatmiddleagedandolderpeoplewhoexpress strongerbeliefsregardingnegativeperceptionsofage- ingandlackofcontrolintheprocess,exhibitagreater decline in walking speed over a 2-year period than thosewithamorepositiveoutlook.Wurmetal.(2008) takethisonestepfurtheranddemonstratehowanop- timisticviewofageinghasapositiveeffectonsubjec- tive health and life satisfaction, even in the face of a serious,unexpectedhealthevent.Theauthorsexplain thisobservationasaresultoftheolderadult’saccep- tanceofaserioushealthevent.Theypossiblyseeitis aninevitableandconcomitantpartoftheageingpro- cess,whichthuscausesthemtobeimpactedfarlessby theeventthanyoungerindividualsmaybe,forwhom asuddenworseningofhealthmaybeunexpected. Burkeetal.(2012)foundco-morbiditytobeapre- dictorofperceivedhealthstatus,indicatingthatsub- jective health is dependent on physical health, mak- ingself-assessedhealthagoodpredictorofobjective health.Interestingly,inthissampleof60–92year-old Irish participants, functional health or instrumental activitiesofdailyliving(iadl)wasthestrongestpre- dictor of self-assessed health. Murtagh et al. (2014), whenexaminingtherelationshipbetween pa partic- ipationand healthstatus,found thatindividuals who had poor perceptions of their health and ability to be active were far less likely to meet pa guidelines than those with more favourable perceptions about theirhealth.ThishasalsobeenobservedbyStewartet al. (2012), who noted thatthe more an individual at- tributedagetotheonsetofillness,thelesslikelythey wouldbetoengageinroutinehealthmaintenancebe- haviours(pa,nutritiousdiet,adequatesleep)andthat mortality rates more than doubled (36 vs. 14) be- tweenindividuals whoascribed oldagetoanillness, tothosewhodidnot. Jankeetal.(2011)havedeterminedthatwhilstlife eventsmayshapeandalterourbehaviourwithregards to leisure in order to accommodate such events, our actual attitudes and perceptions remain fairly stable overtime.However,anadult’slifeexperiencesdoalso havetheabilitytochangeperceptionsofleisure.More- over, factors influence perceived freedom in leisure, particularly among women, where reduced respon- sibility for children as they enter adulthood allows them more time for personal leisure. Thus, it seems thatleisureattitudes,bothforindividualsandsociety as a whole, are influenced more by life experiences, whilstlifestructureorinterpretationofeventsismore influentialwhenconsideringperceptionoffreedomin leisureorperceivedabilitytoengageinleisure(Janke et al., 2011). Previous participation within a plan or structuredprogrammebythefrailolderadultseemed to influence their current perception of exercise and howtheydefinedexercise,withthosetakingpartina rehabilitationorexercise-therapyprogrammehaving apositiveperceptionofexerciseasaresultofperceived positive outcomes. However, those who participated insportsorthemilitarywhentheywereyoungerwith perceived high levels of fitness, hadnegativepercep- tions of their current exercise levels as they defined exerciseintermsofthevigorousactivitiesofthepast (Brodericketal.,2015). Inastudyexploringtheperceptionsandexpecta- tions of exercise in frail and pre-frail older adults in AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 |69 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland Ireland,thisthemeofexercisingforpurposewasalso highlighted (Broderick et al., 2015). This population feltexercisetobeincidentaltoaparticulartypeofan activity,beitnecessary,likemanuallabour,orforfun, like dancing or riding their bikes. Although pa was acknowledged to have benefits in maintaining one’s health,promotingconfidenceandenhancingmoods, exercisewasperceivedasaby-productofpurposeful activitiesandoccurredincidentallyratherthanbeing undertaken as a health-related activity (Broderick et al., 2015). The benefits to pa in thisgenerationseem not to be understood and pa was not valued for its ownsake.Thisposesachallengetopromotingexercise in the rural, older adult population as ltpa is com- pletelyalientothem. MotivationtoEngageinPA ‘Motivationisthedrivingforcethatimpelspeopleto act’ (Schiffman & Wisenblit, 2015). As described by Homans’ Rational Choice Theory (rct), individuals aremotivatedby personalpreferencesandgoalsthat expressthesepreferences,andbasetheirdecisionson whatwillprovidethemwiththegreatestbenefit,satis- factionorfulfilment(DeGuzmanetal.,2015).Whilst an individual’s disposition provides a signature for personality, a motivational agenda is established by one’slifegoalsorstrivingsandillustrateswhataper- son aims, dreams or hopes to achieve in the future, withpurposeanddirection(McAdams,2015). Genderandageareoftenconsideredwhenexplor- ing motivation to exercise. In later years, goals are more prevention-focused and outcomes are geared towards avoiding negative outcomes such as physi- cal decline (McAdams, 2015). Older men expressed awarenessandmanagementoftheiragingbodiesand overcoming physical challenges as motivation to en- gage in intentional pa, as a result of the value they placed on health (Liechty et al., 2014). Participation in pa was also guided or motivated by the desire to maintainorimprovetheabilitytoengageinenjoyable activitiesorpastimesaswellasforthesenseofiden- tityacquiredthroughparticipationandbeingaphys- icallyactivepersoninlateryears(Liechtyetal.,2014). Thisdesiretobeindependentandnotbeaburdenon familymemberswasalsoechoedasaprominentmo- tivatorfor pa byfrailolderadults(Belzaetal.,2004; Broderick et al., 2015), who also identified a sense of enjoymentandpersonalfulfilmentasa drivingforce toexercise(Brodericketal.,2015). Despitetheawarenessofthebenefitsof pa andthe possible positive physical changesthat may have oc- curred as a result of the exercise, unless an individ- ual has enjoyed the experience, they will be unlikely to continue. Conversely, when a positive affect is ex- perienced,individualsarefarmorelikelytonegotiate possibleconstraintsorbarrierstoexercise,thusensur- ingcontinuedparticipationandthehealthbenefitsas- sociatedwithit.Involvementatayoungeragealsopre- disposespeopletoengageincertainactivitiesasthey age,thereforetheexposureto pa skillsandenjoyable activitiesisparamountinformingpositiveattitudesto pa andincreasingthelikelihoodofcontinuedinvolve- mentasweage(Henderson&Ainsworth,2002). Older adults invest more in intrinsically valued ends,andplacegreateremphasisongoalsfocusingon theirhealthandsocialconnections,particularlythose related to family and close friends, rather than goals thatpromisefuturerewards(McAdams,2015).They chooseactivitiestheyenjoyandnotthosetheyseeas exercise(Liechtyetal.,2017). BrehenyandStephens(2017)exploredtheconcept oftimeasamotivatingfactorfor pa intheolderadult (63–93year-olds).Althoughtheseindividualsareen- couraged to use their time ‘productively’ by partic- ipating in sports activities in order to age healthily and contribute to society, this form of engagement can be excluding when they can no longer maintain thelevelofhealthrequired.‘Personaltime,’incontrast to the productive ageing concept where long-term activity plans promoted health and well-being, con- structsthenotionoftimeasshortanduncertainand as such activities that brought immediate enjoyment to the individual were prioritised in recognition of mortalityandinevitabledecline(Breheny&Stephens, 2017). The ‘personal time’ discourse is ‘an available resourcethatincorporatestheinevitabilityofdecline andsupportsparticipationandpleasurewhilethereis stilltime’(Breheny&Stephens,2017),andthisnotion canalsobebroadenedtoincorporateleisuretimeand tourismwith‘bucketlists’and‘30thingstodobefore 70 | AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland youdie’(TheTravelBucketList:30ThingsToDobefore You Die, n.d.)asanincentivetotravelandseekimme- diatefulfilment.Thissentimentofinstantgratification hasbeenechoedbyLenneisandPfister(2017)intheir exploration of the motivation of middle-aged (45–55 years)women toplay a teamsport (floorball), where cooperationwithothersandexperiencesofimmediate successaremotivestoparticipate. The motivation to initially commence a pa pro- gramme and then maintain it, are often quite differ- ent.Seekampetal.(2016)determinedthatthephysi- calbenefitsofwalking,aswelltheaccountability(re- portingback)andpedometers(increasingstepcount), prompted rural, inactive Australians (40–65 years) to engage in a six-week walking intervention pro- gramme, whilst the mental benefits, in conjunction withpositiveself-talkandfocusingonpersonalgoals, motivatedthemtocontinuewalking. pa self-efficacy and social support are considered to be key factors when adopting and maintaining a pa regime. ‘Phys- ical activity and self-efficacy refers to an individual’s confidenceinhis/herabilitytoengageinphysicalac- tivity, even when encountering barriers, whereas so- cialsupportencompassesvarioustypesofencourage- mentandassistanceforengagingin pa’ (Becofsky et al., 2014). Mode of delivery of an intervention is an important consideration as group programmes fos- terandincreasebothself-efficacyandsocialsupport, whereasone-on-onefeedbackmerelyfacilitatesanin- creaseinself-efficacy.Itisnoteworthythatself-efficacy mediates programmeeffects and is vital in pa adop- tionregardlessofhowtheprogrammeisdelivered(Be- cofskyetal.,2014). According to social cognitive theories, the most important factor determining whether an individual willengageinexercise,iswhetherornottheybelieve they can perform the activity, even in adversity, and whether they deem there to be sufficient rewards or benefits from participating, e.g. fitness gains or fun (Warneretal.,2011).‘Perceivedself-efficacyisdefined as people’s beliefs about their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise influ- enceovereventsthataffecttheirlives’(Bandura,1994). Warneretal.(2011)highlightthesynergisticrelation- ship between self-efficacy and social support. Older (≥65years)individualswithlowself-efficacywereun- likelytobeactiveeveniftheyhadsocialsupport,and individualswithlowsocialsupportwerelesslikelyto bephysicallyactiveeveniftheyhadhighself-efficacy. Thisemphasizestheneedtoconsiderbothresources whenmoderatingbehaviourchangeasthelikelihood ofengaginginexerciseisdependentonsupportfrom friends,coupledwithastrongself-beliefinone’sability tosucceed(Warneretal.,2011). GenderDifferences Davis et al. (2012) have determined that gender, age andlevelofeducationinfluencethetypeandlevelof participation in rural areas, with women more regu- larlyengaginginsocialactivity,withtheexceptionof sportwhichisfavouredbymen. Kozakai et al. (2012) have noted gender differ- encesinpopularactivitiesthroughoutthelifecourse, withmenpreferringballsportsandwomenfavouring dance orgymnastics.Thisgenderdifferencehasalso beenobservedbyGiulietal.(2011),whonoteaerobics as apopular choice of pa in women,with interestor preferences for different activities varying from cul- turetoculture.Whilstrunning,swimmingandexer- cisearethemostpopularactivitiesamongstbothmen and women in Ireland, differences in pa preference then emerge with team based sports (rugby, soccer, hurlingandGaelicfootball)favouredbymenandyoga or Pilates preferred by women. Younger women are alsonowspendingmoretimeindoors,withgymbased (weights) and class activities (Pilates) the preference forthe25–34year-oldagebracket.Intheolderpopula- tion,golf(men)anddancing(menandwomen)isthe preferenceforthoseaged≥65yearswhichhighlights gender differences in pa throughout the life course (SportIreland&Ipsos mrbi,2015,pp.18,21). Initiatives DespitenumerousnationalinitiativestopromoteAc- tiveLeisure(al)and pa intheolderpopulation,up- take and participation rates, particularly in the frail andruralpopulations,remainlow(Colleyetal.,2011). Thereisanissuewithengagementwiththiscohortand previousstudiesexaminingthebarriersandexclusion ofolderadultsincommunityinitiativesnotedthatthe AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 |71 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland mostcommonlycitedriskfactorwasthemind-setof theolderpeoplethemselves(O’Sheaetal.,2012).Local SportsPartnerships(lsps) workin conjunction with SportsIreland,‘theauthoritytaskedwiththedevelop- mentofsportinIreland’(SportIreland,n.d.a),yetthe programmesarenottargetedforourolderpopulation, butrathergearedtowardsalladultsovertheageof55. Communicationofprogrammesisalsolimitedasitis directedonlinevianewslettersorwebsiteswhichthe majorityofthiscohortwouldnotaccess,whichcon- tributestothelackofknowledgeof,andthusengage- mentwith,localinitiatives.Programmesarealsooften far too generic and aimed at ‘older adults of all abil- ities’ (Sport Ireland, n.d.b) rather than catering for a widerrangeofagegroups,fitnessabilitiesandphysi- calhealth. TourismandtheOlderAdult Developed by the economist Max-Neef in 1991, the Human Scale Development identifies idleness time orleisureasoneofthefundamentalneedsofhuman beings(Max-Neef,1992,p.32).Leisurehasbeende- scribed as ‘activity – apart from the obligations of work, family and society – to which the individual turnsatwill,foreitherrelaxation,diversion,orbroad- eninghisknowledgeandhisspontaneoussocial par- ticipation, the free exercise of his creative capacity’ (Veal, 1992). As we get older, the ability to engage in leisure time is determined by our ability to function bothphysicallyandmentally.Aphysicallyactiveolder personcanengagefarmorethanonewhohaslimita- tions. ‘Individualsbecometouristswhentheyvoluntarily leavetheirnormalsurroundings,wheretheyreside,to visitanotherenvironment’(Camilleri,2018,p.3).This physical and mental requirement of ‘being a tourist’ actsasastimulus,thusprovidinganadventureanda timeforleisureandrelaxationinsurroundingsdiffer- enttoone’sown. Harper(2014)describesfuturegenerationsofolder adults as having ‘higher levels of human capital in terms of education, skills, and abilities and better health profiles, and this will enable them to remain active,productiveandcontributoryforfarlonger.’Pat- tersonandBalderas(2020)assertthattravelprovides themeanstoachieveabetterhealthprofile,adjustto retirement and improve quality of life, and seniors, definedasemptynesters(55–64years),youngseniors (65–79years)andseniors(80+years),nowconstitute a prime market segment as they tend to have more spare time, more capital and be more independent than younger adults (Nimrod & Rotem, 2010; Gu et al.,2016;Patterson&Balderas,2020). Numerous benefits in an olderpopulation can be attributedtotourism.Guetal.(2016)foundwhilere- searchinganolderChinesepopulationthatthosethat engaged in tourism reported better self-rated health whichisavalidindicatoroftheiroverallhealthcon- dition.Theyadvocatethattourismparticipationmay improvecognitivefunctionthroughnewlearningop- portunities and encourage a positive psychological state with reduced depression, increased social con- nectionandspiritualwell-being.Theamountofphys- ical activity (e.g. walking) during a trip may also be sufficienttopromoteandimprovethephysicalhealth ofolderadults,highlightingtheimportanceoftourism inpromotinghealthyageing(Guetal.,2016).Thepar- ticipation in nature-based tourism, activities with a focusonenjoyingnaturalattractions(e.g.birdwatch- ing,fishingandwalkinginforests),maypromotethe health of active tourists as they involve pa (Chang, 2014). They can also promote relaxation, thereby re- lieving stress, through exposure to natural environ- ments(Chang,2014)whichinturnpromotesgeneral well-being. NimrodandRotem(2010)havedescribedthehet- erogeneityoftheolderadults’tourismsegment,with significant variability between subgroups, based on motivations,inthisoldercohort.Theydescribedas- sociationsbetweendestinationactivitiesandbenefits gained, with the ‘physical destination activity factor’ (exercise and wellness activities) correlating highly with the benefit of ‘relaxation’ (restful, healthful and thefeelingofbeingrelaxed). In Ireland, a recent 2021 campaign aimed specif- ically at the older market, ‘Golden Ireland,’ seeks to attracttheover55stovariousformsofsoft(activeand passive)tourism.AsidentifiedbyPatterson&Balderas (2020),theseniorsorolderadultmarketisonethatin many cases has experienced travel and knows what 72 | AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland they want in terms of experience. This is a growing market, with the Central Statistics Office in Ireland predicting that those aged over 65 will increase to almost 1.6 million by 2051 (Central Statistics Office, 2017). An older person’s decision and ability to par- ticipateintourismrequiresadegreeofindependence thatcanbe enhancedby remainingphysicallyactive. Thus, pa opensuporratherkeepsopentheworldof leisure and tourism, contributing to better quality of life(qol). Discussion Perceivedbarriersto pa,intermsofmotivation(lack ofenjoyment),socialsupport(neighbourhoodsafety, opportunities for socialising) and lack of time (poor time management, access to facilities, lack of family support) have a huge impact on participation levels, and understanding these influences may contribute to more effective strategies in removing barriers in different social groups and modifying pa behaviour, thusincreasingparticipationlevels(Cerinetal.,2010). When examining the barriers and exclusion of older Irish adults in community initiatives, stakeholders noted that the most commonly cited risk factor was themind-set of the older peoplethemselves(O’Sheaet al.,2012).Theyofferedthreepossibleexplanationsfor the lack of engagementin local activities: older peo- ple not wanting to accept what may be construed as charitableassistanceduetoanegativestigma,feelings ofbeingunworthyofpublicassistanceduetopercep- tions of having more than previous generations, and simplypreferringtoliveinisolation,allofwhichcom- binetokeepthemmarginalisedandoutsideofpublic andsocialspheresofinfluence(O’Sheaetal.,2012).It mustalsobenotedthanwhenthispopulationarepre- sentedwithanopportunitytocontributetoresearchin thisarea,theychooselargelytoabstain,aswastheex- perience oftheresearcherwhenconducting a refine- ment exercise with a rural, active retirement group. Only 25 of respondents to a survey, conducted to narrowdownaPhDresearchquestion,volunteeredto becontactedforfutureresearchintotherespondents’ preferred area of research, highlighting their general ambivalencetocontributingtoapossiblesolution. Sargent-Coxetal.(2012)advocatethattheageing stereotypes informing our expectations surrounding healthoutcomesinoldagetendtobenegative,focus- ing on frailty, disability and dependence, yet normal ageing is not characterised by declining mobility or physical function. When targetingthe older adult in terms of interventions to foster and encourage pa, it mustbeacknowledgedthattheage-relatedstereotypes ofparticipantsmayactuallyunderminetheeffortsto modify behaviour, thus necessitating an initial chal- lengeofnegativebeliefsaboutageinginordertoopti- misethehealthpromotion(Stewartetal.,2012).Pro- grammes that challenge and combat ageing miscon- ceptions may be an important strategy to counteract negativeageexpectationsandself-fulfillingprophecies (Sargent-Coxetal.,2012).YetLiechtyetal.(2014)de- termined that participation in pa is not undertaken to challenge ageing stereotypes or to change the dis- course of ageing, but rather for the individual’s own agenda of reducing age-related decline in health and ability. AstudybyWitcheretal.(2016)exploring pa per- ceptions and influences among older, rural adults in Nova Scotia found that patterns of activity were re- lated to participants’ earlier life experiences. Activ- ity was confined more to work and productive tasks, with leisure-time activity participation (ltpa) a rel- atively new concept. People walked for a purpose, notjustfor‘thesakeofthings. ’Alackofawareness astowhatconstitutedexerciseandfacilities wasalso highlighted.Previouslynoplacetoexerciseexistedin this population with walking and running being the norm,althoughtheseactivitieswerenotperceivedas exercise. Historical context is, therefore, a huge fac- torwhenconsidering pa inanygivenpopulationand seems to determine current experiences and percep- tionsofexercise(Witcheretal.,2016).Theseadults placedavalueonwork-relatedactivity,oftencontin- uingthisethicintotheircurrentlives,withleisureac- tivitylackingpurposeorusefulness.Thisposesachal- lenge to promoting exercise in the rural, older pop- ulation, prompting the exploration of exercise pro- grammes focusing on functional outcomes, such as community gardens and dog walking, as more suit- ableforthispopulation. The Local Sports Partnerships (lsps) categorised AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 |73 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland the primary effect of each of their initiatives under thepillarsofthe com-b BehaviourChangeModel,in ordertodeterminetheeffectoftheirprogrammesin increasing participation in sport and pa (Sport Ire- land, 2019, p. 22). This model suggests that an in- dividual should have Capability (Physical and Psy- chological), Opportunity (Physical and Social) and Motivation (Reflective and Automatic) in order to changebehaviour. lsp initiativestodatehavelargely targetedPhysicalCapability(skilldevelopment–55), with Psychological Capability (knowledge develop- ment – 6), Physical Opportunity (facilities, access, discounts, etc. – 13), Social Opportunity (develop- mentof pa culture–10),ReflectiveMotivation(pa goals – 6) and Automatic Motivation (habit devel- opment–7)makinguptheremaining43(2not stated),highlighting the needfor increasedfocus on these latter five pillars if behaviour is to be modified (SportIreland,2019,p.22). Despite the success of the lsp initiatives in tar- geting the correct individuals, with 8 out of 10 par- ticipants not meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines at registration and more than 25 being classedasinactive,theparticipantfiguresforourGo For Life (national programme for sport and physical activityforolderadultsinIreland–2,746)andOlder Adult Initiatives (9,168) are quite low, yet it must be acknowledgedthatolderadultsmayhaveparticipated in otherprogrammesofferedby the lsps (SportIre- land,2019,p.21).Thiscouldperhapsbeexplainedby thedifficultiesexpressedbythe lsp networkinbuild- ing awareness of opportunities amongst the hard-to- reach target groups, like the rural, older population. This challenge will be addressed by the provision of Building Awareness and Promotional Guidelines by Sport Ireland to the lsps and the support to imple- ment them, in orderto ensure ‘the broadestpossible participationensuringqualityandaccessibilityforall groups’inlinewiththeNationalSportsPolicy(p.67). Choice has been shown to make activity reward- ing and meaningful (Davis et al., 2012), highlighting a need for a range of leisure time physical activities (ltpas) that cater for a wide variety of needs, abil- ities and preferences (Nimrod & Rotem, 2010). This hasalsobeenhighlightedinthetourismliteraturewith motivationstoparticipateintourismvaryingbetween olderadultsbasedontheirinterestsandpreferences. AccordingtoRowińskietal.(2017),healthconditions associatedwithagingmightberelatedtodisabilityand lead to decreased independence. pa assists in main- taining independence throughout life as well as im- provingqualityoflife.Inastudyconductedonolder peopleofover65yearsinPolandbothwithandwith- outdisabilities,themostfrequentlyindicatedbarrier toparticipationin sport pa andtourismwerehealth conditions.Theysuggestcommonstrategiesandpro- grammesto increase pa amongolder people may be utilized for both individuals with and without a dis- ability,thusincreasingolderadults’independenceand abilitytoparticipateinbothtourismandsportphysi- calactivities. In an Irish context, Egan et al. (2014) highlighted thefactthatmeaningful pa engagementatbothends oftheagespectrum(12–18years;65yearsandover)as well as for individuals with physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities, is hindered by structural factors and public unawareness of the Irish population’s di- versity,emphasizingtheimportanceoftailoring pa to differentagegroupsandspecificneedsthroughoutthe lifecourse. Whilstthehealthbenefitsofexercisemayinitially motivateindividualswhodonotexerciseregularlyto engagein pa orleisureactivities,unlesstheyenjoythe experience they are unlikely to change this inherent behaviour.Negativeexperiencesof pa inthepasthave resulted in abstinence from leisure time exercise as theyage.Facilitatingopportunitiestofindandpartic- ipateinenjoyableactivitiesisparamountinensuring thatbarrierstoexercisearenegotiatedandhealthyliv- ingfortheentirefamilyandcommunityispromoted (Henderson&Ainsworth,2002). Liechtyetal.(2017)highlightedthatwhilstretirees valuedphysicallyactiveleisureandintendedtobeac- tiveinretirement,incorporatingitintodailylifeand maintainingroutineswasnotalwayseasy,particularly if the activity was disliked. This highlights the im- portanceofmaking pa meaningfulandenjoyablefor older people as preferences for casual, unstructured activitiesthatweredrivenbygoalsotherthanhealth and fitness (e.g. gardening) were identified. Liechty 74 | AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland et al. (2017) suggestedthatparticipantsvalued pa as partofageingwellandselectedmeaningfulactivities that would contribute to physical well-being in later life, provided those activities were enjoyableand did notinterferewithothervaluedactivities.Participants require more from leisure than health benefits and willexchange pa activitiesforlessactiveonesifthey aredeemedtobringmorepleasureandfun,therefore thevastrangeofpersonalpreferencesandsourcesof meaningandvalueinleisureexperiencesneedstobe considered(Liechtyetal.,2017). As described by Arnadottir et al. (2009) in Cas- sarinoandSetti(2015),locationofresidencemaydic- tatethetypeofactivityindividualsengagein,withur- bandwellersparticipatinginmoreleisure-orientedac- tivity,versustheincreasedworkormanual-relatedac- tivity,likefarming,performedbytheirruralcounter- parts.Witcheretal.(2016)andBrodericketal.(2015) havealsohighlightedtheeffectsoflifeexperiencesand exercisingforpurposeasachallengetopromoting pa inruralpopulationswithaneedtoeithereducatethis populationastothebenefitsof ltpa,orinstigateini- tiativeslikecommunitygardenswherepatternsofac- tivity would be work-related or purposeful. Activity wouldbethusbemeaningfulforruraladultsandthey wouldbefarmorelikelytoengage. Theideologyofpositiveageingwasadvocatedby the World Health Organisation (who) in their Ac- tive Ageing Policy framework that embraced the op- portunitiesforhealthparticipationandsecuritytoen- hancequalityoflife,whilstcontinuingtobeproduc- tivemembersofsocietythrougheconomic,socialand culturalcontributions(Boyes,2013). Active ageing is described as ‘the process of op- timizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age’ (World Health Organization,2002). There are 4 pillarsofactiveageingviz.health(enhancingphysical and mental healthand reducinghealth inequalities), lifelong learning (to remain relevant and engaged in society), participation (engagement in work or pur- suitsthatbringfulfilment)andsecurity(physicaland social protection) that underlie and guide the defi- nitions and policies (International Longevity Centre Brazil,2015).Itisconceptualisedasamultidimen- sional phenomenon which was supported by Rowe andKahn(1987)whoproposedthatsuccessfulageing includednotonlythephysicalfactorssuchaslifestyle, habits,ageandhealthbutthepsychosocialfactorslike feelingsofautonomyandsocialsupport. Activeageingstimulatesandpromotestheongoing participationofolderadultsduringtheoldestphaseof life, rather than equating it with rest (Boudiny, 2013) and is also supported by Liechty et al. (2017) who maintain that ‘successful ageing’ occurs when older adultsengageinavarietyofactivities,includingbeing atourist. Conclusion Older,ruraladultsarenotawareofthebenefitsof pa andperceiveitassomethingmeanteitherforyounger people or tofulfil a particular function (Broderick et al., 2015; Witcher et al., 2016). Current initiatives to promote pa in this population are not working. Per- haps the focus of future initiatives should rather be placedonthesocialaspectandenjoymentoftheac- tivity ratherthanthehealthbenefitsasenjoymentof pa hasbeenshown tobe aprimarymotivatorinen- gagement(Henderson&Ainsworth,2002;Broderick etal.,2015)andactivitiesthatbroughtimmediateen- joyment to the individual were prioritised in recog- nitionofmortalityandinevitabledecline(Breheny& Stephens,2017).Tourismoffersafurtheralternativeto promoting activity as it has been shown to improve the health of olderadults,even the oldestold, and is thusaneffectivewayofstimulatinghealthyageing(Gu etal.,2016).Choicehasalsobeenshowntomakeac- tivity rewarding and meaningful (Davis et al., 2012), highlightinganeedforarangeof ltpas thatcaterfor awidevarietyofneeds,abilitiesandpreferences.Itis alsoimportanttobeawarethatthemeaningofanac- tivelifemaychangeoverthelifecourseandthatthis dynamicprocessneedstobebothadaptableandacces- sibleinorderforadultstoageactivelyandsuccessfully (Boudiny,2013). The factors that hinder pa in older adults also impact tourism participation. Stereotyping of older adults may prevent them from participating in so- cial activities like tourism as they tend to disengage fromsociety,andruralolderadultsarelesslikelythan AcademicaTuristica,Year15,No.1,April2022 |75 AngieHartnettandCatherineGorman ActiveLeisureandAgeinginRuralIreland their urban counterparts to engage in tourism (Gu etal.,2016).Tourismhasalsobeennegativelyassoci- ated with poor self-rated health, which is impacted bypa,asIrishadultswhoreporthighlevelsofpa havehigherlevelsofself-ratedhealth(Donoghueetal. 2016,p.7)andtourismpromotesrelaxation(Nimrod &Rotem,2010)whichinturndecreasesstressandthus increasesself-ratedhealth.Menhavealsobeenshown toparticipateintourismmorethanwomen(Guetal., 2016)whichisconsistentwiththesignificantlyhigher levelsof pa reportedbyoldermenthanwomen(Sun etal.,2013;Nolanetal.,2014). Despitedifferingmotivationsfortravel,olderadults seemtochooseacombinationofactivitiesthatyield similarbenefits(Nimrod&Rotem,2010).Duetothe growthintheoldermarket,themotivationsfortravel byseniorswillhavetobeaccommodatedbyallstake- holders in order to meet their travel needs. Further researchneedstobeundertakentoexplorethetypes ofchoicesseniortouristswantinthefuture,inorderto accountforthesechangesinaproactivewayandspec- ifypracticalimplicationsfortheindustry(Patterson& Balderas,2020). Furtherresearchandevidenceof pa inolderpeo- pleisneeded,sothatpublichealthsectorscanformu- late initiatives and strategies to extend the lives and health ofthispopulation (Sun et al.,2013). Alack of input from our senior population to date highlights theimportanceofrecommendingthatawarenessand informationshouldprecedeanyfutureresearch.This would ensure that this cohort take responsibility for theirageingandwillinglyparticipateintheformation of a solutionor nationalframeworktoguaranteethe likelihood of all older adults in rural Ireland partic- ipating in pa initiatives, and having the means and abilitytoagesuccessfullyinplace. In order to explore older populations a dynamic approach is required. Future research will be under- pinnedbyResponsibleResearchandInnovation(rri): ‘a dynamic, iterative process by which all stakehold- ersinvolvedinthe r&i practicebecomemutuallyre- sponsive and share responsibility regarding both the outcomes and process requirements’ (Kupper et al., 2015). The concepts of meaning-making to leisure, focusing on perceptions and motivations of a rural based population, is a gap that needs to be explored further. Collaborating with a stakeholder group, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (an organisationthat principally‘seekstopromoteandenhanceallaspects ofthehealthandwell-beingofmalesontheislandof Ireland’ yet also promotes the education of the gen- eralIrishpopulationwithregardstohealthandwell- being) and the local community, and using rri as a methodology, the research outcome will provide en- gageddepthandrealism.Thefourkeythemesof rri are:diversityandinclusion(researchingtheolderco- hort that is largely excluded), openness and trans- parency (communication and dissemination plan to increase involvement, encourage input and inform), anticipationandreflection(reflectionsfromallstake- holders are incorporated to pursue a common goal andpotentialchallengesidentified)andresponsibility and reflective change (adaptability to changing soci- etalneedsandevaluationstrategiesimplementedcon- tinuously)(Kupperetal.,2015). 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