Examining Layers of Community in Leisure Contexts: A Case Analysis of Older Adults in an Exercise Intervention (Report‪)‬

Healthy Aging and Community The aging of populations across the developed world is being accompanied by an emergent healthy aging discourse (also called active, successful, or positive aging) in the fields of gerontology and health care (Bevan & Jeeawody, 1998; Davis, 1994; Peel, Bartlett & McClure, 2004; Rowe & Kahn, 1998), exercise promotion (Laura & Johnston, 1997; O'Brien Cousins, 1998; van Norman, 1995), and leisure studies (Dupuis, 2002; Fontane & Hurd, 1992). Consistently, the social and economic concerns of an aging population have prompted governments, businesses, and organizations to provide opportunities for older people to maintain their health and thus reduce the strain on health and welfare systems (Dionigi, 2008). In Australia, healthy aging has been identified as a key area for policy development and health promotion since the late 1990s (Bishop, 1999). This healthy aging discourse is comprised in part of multiple messages about autonomy for older people, alternative ways of viewing aging, community engagement, advice on leisure and lifestyle, the health benefits of physical activity, and exercise program development (Grant & Stothart, 1999). In particular, physically active leisure pursuits have been identified as key ingredients to healthy aging (Dupuis, 2002; Fontane, 1996; Grant, 2002; Rowe & Kahn, 1998).