According to Finnish Sports Act, all Finnish residents should have an equal opportunity for physical activity, regardless of their age or health status. In the present study, inequality of physical activity is measured as unmet physical activity (PA) need. The aim of the study is two-fold: First, we will develop and test a scale which captures severity of unmet physical activity need reflecting equality in physical activity (Equal-PA). Second, the purpose is to examine the incidence, determinants and consequences of unmet PA need in older people by utilizing pre-existing data to gain 4-year follow-up information on unmet PA need. This project will generate new scientific knowledge on equal opportunities for participation, reasons for marginalization from physical activity, and advancing physical activity and participation among older population.

Funding
Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture

Research group
Principal Investigator
Docent Merja Rantakokko merja.rantakokko@jyu.fi, Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

PhD students
MSc. Lotta Palmberg, Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
MSc. Heidi Skantz, Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Collaborators
Centre for Ageing and Supportive Environments (CASE), Lund University, Sweden
Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Keele University, UK