Culture of Active Aging in the Neighborhood Environment in Iran: An Ethnographic Approach

Abstract

This study explores the culture of active aging among older adults in the Ekhtiarieh neighborhood of Tehran, using an ethnographic approach. The research addresses four key questions: the common physical activity norms, factors influencing physical activity, cultural norms, and the role of perceived neighborhood in shaping physical activity behaviors among older adults. Ethnographic data were collected through observations, interviews, and document reviews from December 2020 to February 2022. The findings reveal one main themes: Body Culture (including Healthy Bodies, Social Bodies, Retired Bodies and Female Bodies), Affordances (including political, physical, and temporal aspects). The results underscore the interplay between older adults' perceptions of their neighborhood and their physical activity patterns. While the level of physical activity among older adults in Iran is generally low, the cultural context of local communities holds the potential to transform behaviors and social attitudes towards active aging. Key strategies include fostering awareness about the body during activities, addressing social perceptions of aging, leveraging the capacities of older adults, and implementing policies aligned with societal needs. The study's interdisciplinary insights offer valuable implications for sports management professionals and urban planners aiming to enhance active aging in neighborhood environments.

Keywords: Body culture; Cultural behaviors; Physical activity; Temporal patterns in activity; Urban accessibility.