Management Model of Age Discrimination Against Older Adults in Sport

Mohammadi, Zahra; Keshkar, Sara; Honari, Habib; Karegar, Gholamali

doi:10.22124/jsmd.2025.28249.2924

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

¹ PhD Student of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education & Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran

² Associate Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education & Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran

³ Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education & Sports Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran

10.22124/jsmd.2025.28249.2924

Abstract

Objective: The global trend of population aging presents numerous challenges for countries. One such challenge is age discrimination. This study aims to provide a model for managing age discrimination against older adults in sports.
Methodology: This study was qualitative and fundamental in purpose. It was conducted using the grounded theory method based on the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin (1997). The population consisted of selected older adults and specialists in sports management and physical education, cultural sociology, gerontology, and psychology. Purposive and theoretical sampling resulted in 20 interviews that achieved theoretical saturation.
Results: By analyzing the interviews, initially conceptual propositions and then open codes and axial codes were formulated in the context of six dimensions that include causal factors (7), contextual factors (4), intervening factors (5), strategies (4), outcomes (4), and the central category that forms the final model.
Conclusion: Implementing an anti-discrimination model in sports can enhance the conditions and opportunities for older adults and other age groups. This model includes policy approaches, encouragement and support, awareness raising, and organizational culture development. Furthermore, with appropriate policymaking, creating discrimination-free sports environments will be achievable, contributing to social justice and improving the quality of life for older adults.

Keywords

References

Adib Roshan, F., Peymanizad, H., Talebpour, M., & Pourazzat, A. A. (2020). Images of the Future of Iranian Elders about sport status. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 9(3), 53-70. [https://doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2020.4499] [In Persian]

Ayalon, L., & Tesch-Römer, C. (2018). Introduction to the section: Ageism—Concept and Origins. Contemporary perspectives on ageism, 1-10. [Link]

Boudiny, K. (2013). ‘Active ageing’: from empty rhetoric to effective policy tool. Ageing & Society, 33(6), 1077-1098. [Link]

Butler, R.N. (1975). Psychiatry and the elderly: an overview. The American Journal of Psychiatry. [Link]

Castilla, E.J. (2012). Gender, race, and the new (merit‐based) employmentrelationship.Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, 51, 528-562. [Link]

Cebola, M.M.J., dos Santos, N.R., & Dionísio, A. (2023). Worker-related ageism: A systematic review of empirical research. Ageing & Society, 43(8), 1882-1914. [Link]

Chang, E.S., Kannoth, S., Levy, S., Wang, S.Y., Lee, J.E., & Levy, B.R. (2020). Global reach of ageism on older persons’ health: A systematic review. PloS one, 15(1), e0220857. [Link]

Chen, C., & Nakagawa, S. (2023). Physical activity for cognitive health promotion: An overview of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Ageing Research Reviews, 101868. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2023.101868]

Cherry, K.E., Brigman, S., Lyon, B.A., Blanchard, B., Walker, E.J., & Smitherman, E.A. (2016). Self-reported ageism across the lifespan: Role of aging knowledge. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 83(4), 366-380. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415016657562]

Cummings, E., & Henry, W.E. (1961). Growing old. New York: Basic Books. [Link]

Eswaran, A., & Meisner, B.A. (2022). Influence of ageism on physical activity prescription for Prediabetes Management. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 30(5), 880-884. [https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2021-0199]

Guba, E.G., & Lincoln, Y.S. (1994). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. Handbook of qualitative research, 2(163-194), 105. [Link]

Hagestad, G.O., & Uhlenberg, P. (2005). The social separation of old and young: A root of ageism. Journal of Social Issues, 61(2), 343-360. [Link]

Iversen, T.N., Larsen, L., & Solem, P.E. (2009). A conceptual analysis of ageism. Nordic psychology, 61(3), 4-22. [Link]

Jin, B., & Harvey, I. S. (2020). Ageism in the fitness and health industry: a review of the literature. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 29(1), 99-115. [Link]

Jorkesh, S., & Nazari, R. (2020). Codification of Influential Factor Scenarios for Iranian Elderly Sport Implementing Scenario Wizard. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 9(3), 2-15. [https://doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2020.4371] [In Persian]

Keshkar, S., & Mohammadi, Z. (2022). Marketing strategies for reaching Iranian older adults: A social network based on physical activity promotion. Sport Marketing in a Global Environment (pp. 14-33). Routledge. [Link]

Kalashi M., Eydi, H., Abbasi, H., & Foroughi, B. (2021). Relationship between time preferences and risk preferences with behavioral changes in participation in sports and physical activities. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 11(3), 46-68. [https://doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2022.6677] [In Persian].

Ko, Y., Han, S.Y., & Jang, H.Y. (2021). Factors influencing suicidal ideation and attempts among older Korean adults: focusing on age discrimination and neglect. International journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1852. [https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041852]

Kokorelias, K.M., Chau, V., Wijekoon, S., Singh, H., & Harris, M.T. (2024). Strategies for equity, diversity and inclusion in geriatric healthcare professional curricula: A scoping review protocol. Plos One, 19(10), e0307939. [https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307939]

Levy, B.R. (2009). Stereotype embodiment: A psychosocial approach to aging. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18, 332-336. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01662.x]

Mahmoodzadeh, H., Aghayari Hir, t., & Hatami, D. (2022). Study and Analysis of the Elderly Population of Iran. Geographical Research, 37(1), 111-125. [https://doi.org/10.29252/geores.37.1.111] [In Persian]

Manning, K.M., Hall, K.S., Sloane, R., Magistro, D., Rabaglietti, E., Lee, C.C., ... & Morey, M.C. (2024). Longitudinal analysis of physical function in older adults: The effects of physical inactivity and exercise training. Aging Cell, 23(1), e13987. [https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.13987]

Marques, S., Mariano, J., Mendonça, J., De Tavernier, W., Hess, M., Naegele, L., Peixeiro, F., & Martins, D. (2020). Determinants of Ageism against Older Adults: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7), 2560. [Link]

Massie, A.S., & Meisner, B.A. (2019). Perceptions of aging and experiences of ageism as constraining factors of moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity in later life. Loisir et Société/Society and Leisure, 42(1), 24-42. [Link]

Menkin, J.A., Smith, J.L., & Bihary, J. G. (2022). Brief Anti-Ageism Messaging Effects on Physical Activity Motivation Among Older Adults. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 41(2), 478–485. [Link]

Milton, K., Gomersall, S.R., & Schipperijn, J. (2023). Let's get moving: The Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022 calls for urgent action. Journal of sport and health science, 12(1), 5. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2022.12.006]

Mohammadi, Z., Kashkar, S., & Baqeri Shahlaei, J. (2020). The role of goal setting, customer segmentation, and positioning in promoting sports for the elderly. Social Welfare Quarterly, 77(20), 329-355. [Link] [In Persian]

Mohammadi, Z., Kashkar, S., & Baqeri Shahlaei, J. (2023). Challenges and strategies for promoting sports among the elderly using a goal-oriented strategic marketing model. Sports Management Studies, 14(74), 73-102. [https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2020.9321.3160] [In Persian]

Naegele, L., De Tavernier, W., & Hess, M. (2018). Work environment and the origin of ageism. Contemporary perspectives on ageism, 73-90. [Link]

Nosrati, P., Momeni, K., & Wahl, H-W. (2023). The relationship between age stereotypes, psychological well-being, and health-promoting lifestyle: The mediating role of awareness of age-related changes. Psychology of Aging, 9(1), 45-59. [Link] [In Persian]

Norouzi Seyed Hossini, R. (2020). Understanding Lived Experience of Iranian Professional Athletes from COVID-19 Pandemic (A Phenomenological Approach). Sport Management Studies, 12(61), 217-240. [https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2020.8854.3014] [In Persian]

Pourzarnegar, J., Rajabi Noush Abadi, H., & Alidoust Ghahfarrokhi, E. (2022). Social Media Model in the Development of Sport for All. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 12(2), 77-98. [https://doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2022.5738] [In Persian]

Rababa, M., Hammouri, A.M., Hweidi, I.M., & Ellis, J.L. (2020). Association of nurses' level of knowledge and attitudes to ageism toward older adults: Cross‐sectional study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 22(3), 593-601. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12701]

Rothermund, K., Klusmann, V., & Zacher, H. (2021). Age discrimination in the context of motivation and healthy aging. The Journals of Gerontology, 76(2), 167-180. [Link]

Scuteri, A., & Nilsson, P.M. (2024). Aging Population: Challenges and Opportunities in a Life Course Perspective. Early Vascular Aging (EVA), 35-39. [https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15512-3.00021-0]

Shariati Feizabadi, M., & Moghadam Bagha, S. (2024). Sport and Empowering the Economic Security. Journal of Sport Management and Development, 13(1), 114-133. [https://doi.org/10.22124/JSMD.2022.7169.1479] [In Persian]

Sivaramakrishnan, H., Phoenix, C., Quested, E., Thogersen-Ntoumani, C., Gucciardi, D. F., Cheval, B., & Ntoumanis, N. (2023). More than just a walk in the park: A multi-stakeholder qualitative exploration of community-based walking sports programs for middle-aged and older adults. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 1-17. [https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2023.2197450]

Swift, H.J., Drury, L., & Lamont, R.A. (2016). The perception of aging and age discrimination. Technical Report, British Medical Association, Kent, UK, 1-14. [Link]

Ubert, T., Forberger, S., Gansefort, D., Zeeb, H., & Brand, T. (2017). Community capacity building for physical activity promotion among older adults—a literature review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(9), 1058. [https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14091058]

United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2023). World social report: Leaving no one behind in an ageing world. United Nations. [Link]

Vanleerberghe, P., Claes, C., Campens, J., Verté, D., & De Witte, N. (2024). The mediating role of self-directed ageism on frailty and quality of life in community-dwelling older people. Discover Social Science and Health, 4(1), 1-14. [Link]

Management Model of Age Discrimination Against Older Adults in Sport

References

References

Volume 14, Issue 4 - Serial Number 44Winter - 44December 2025Pages 25-45

Volume 14, Issue 4 - Serial Number 44
Winter - 44
December 2025
Pages 25-45