A summary on Walking Football by Alannah Heffer (Deakin University)
The Impact of Health and Wellbeing on Walking Football
Research Overview
The study addressed the research question “How does engaging in Walking Football contribute to health and wellbeing for people aged over 55? An online survey was distributed via email and participants could volunteer for an interview upon completion of the survey.
A total of 42 participants completed the survey, the average age was 70.4 years. There were 28 males, 13 females and 1 did not say. Six participants were also program organisers.
Statistics
– 59.5% started playing because of the modified rules.
– 90.5% were satisfied with their game skill improvement.
-88.1% were satisfied with their mood being improved through the game.
-73.9% frequently view walking football as a highlight of their week.
-78.6% were satisfied with feeling part of a community.
-88.1% were satisfied with their health since commencing walking football.
Interview Findings
Belonging
Belonging relates to the components of walking football that contribute to the participants’ feeling part of a community. The participants meet new people and socialise with teammates, and it leads to socialising outside the program. The participants experience of feelings of happiness when playing in a team. For many, they are distracted from their worries and concerns when they are surrounded by other players. Walking football provides a safe environment for participants to talk about what is going on by expressing their thoughts and feelings. Participants find walking football an enjoyable activity and prioritise this activity because they experience a variety of benefits when they feel part of a community. However, for some, other commitments make it difficult to attend all walking football games.
Opportunity to Improve
The participants experienced the opportunity to improve themselves through playing walking football. Playing the game allows participants to improve their health and wellbeing by being physically active through a gentle game. Also, walking football has led to some participants seeking additional physical activities to continue maintaining their health, therefore the game gets the participants moving and helps them to make better health choices. Participants have become more motivated and confident to play as their skills develop. Some participants enjoy being able to continue improving their skills to play tournaments.
Factors Influencing Participation
The final finding relates to the environmental factors of walking football. Participants being more likely to attend each game when it is accessible; easy to drive to with parking, access to facilities, soft playing surface. The organisers’ explained incentives are in place for those experiencing financial hardship, this includes waiving the fees or providing equipment. Most participants like the social game, as they feel safe playing and it takes the focus off winning. Managing safety by controlling competitive behaviour was viewed as a factor that should be addressed in all programs, as other players lose interest when there is competitiveness within the team.
Benefits of Walking Football (Soccer)
Walking Football (Soccer) offers numerous health benefits for senior citizens, both physically and mentally. This low-impact activity helps improve cardiovascular health by gently increasing heart rate while being easy on the joints. Unlike traditional football, walking football encourages participants to move at a slower pace, reducing the risk of injuries while still allowing for an effective workout. The repetitive motion of walking also enhances muscle strength and endurance.
In addition to physical health, walking football promotes balance and coordination, which are essential as people age. The game encourages seniors to stay active and engaged, which can help prevent falls and maintain mobility. This boost in balance also supports greater independence in daily activities, making it easier for seniors to perform tasks without assistance.
Walking football also has a significant social component, offering seniors an opportunity to interact and form bonds with others in their community. The social interaction can alleviate feelings of isolation, common in older adults, and provide a sense of belonging. This connection with others can improve mental well-being and increase motivation to stay active.
Mentally walking football has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while boosting overall mood. The fun and competitive nature of the game provides a healthy distraction from the challenges of aging. By staying engaged in a physical and social activity, seniors experience improved cognitive function, potentially lowering the risk of dementia and other age-related cognitive decline.