'A lot better than medicine' - Self-organised ocean swimming groups as facilitators for healthy ageing. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costello, Leesa; McDermott, Marie-Louise; Patel, Purvi; Dare, Julie
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 60(2019:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Blue space -- Healthy ageing -- Open-water swimmers -- Adventure-based leisure -- Focused ethnography; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Exercise, spending time in nature and feeling part of a supportive community all contribute to better physical and mental health and to healthy ageing. This focused ethnography investigates how participation in self-organised ocean swimming groups contributes to healthy ageing amongst older men and women in the Australian coastal city of Perth. It explores the ways marine life, personal experiences and social connectedness mediate their group use of public blue space, and highlights that group membership promotes participants' enhanced health and wellbeing, and supports development of self-efficacy and resilience. These findings suggest that more inclusive access to ocean swimming and other forms of active or adventure-based leisure activities should be advocated from a public health perspective. Highlights: The social aspects of swimming groups are valued as much as the swim itself. Group diversity provides intellectual and social stimulation for older, retired men. Shared exhilaration and euphoria associated with open water swimming reinforces trust and social bonds between swimmers. More inclusive access to open-water swimming or active leisure could support healthy ageing among broader population groups.