Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD student in Sports Management، Faculty of Sports Sciences، University of Mazandaran، Babolsa، Iran.
2 Professor in Sports Management ،Faculty of Sports Sciences ،University of Mazandaran، Babolsar، Iran.
3 Assistant Professor in Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to design a volunteering model forthe elderly in sports events.this study was conducted qualitatively,using the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin.the statistical population included sports experts,sports promotion advocates,scholars policymakers and consultants with experience in the field of aging and sports volunteerism.Sampling was carried out non-randomly and purposively with maximum diversity,and a total of18individuals were selected based on the theoretical saturation index.Validity was assessed using the criteria established by Skinner et al.(2014).Reliability was ensured through the method of inter-coder agreement, with the percentage of agreement calculated as the reliability criterion, resulting in 90% agreement, confirming the trustworthiness of the coding process.
Based on the findings.the final research model for elderly participation in sports event volunteerism was designed.Considering that the causal factors include intrinsic motivations,clear life goals, life satisfaction, and social cohesion;the contextual factors include accessibility and facilities.planning and management, and social support; the intervening factors consist of structural limitations,physical limitations.mental limitations, and social limitations;the strategies involve education and promotion,encouragement and motivation,and the use of media; the central phenomenon is the participationof the elderly in sports volunteerism;and the outcomes include improved physical health,enhanced mental health,and strengthened social connections.Therefore,based on the findings of the research,increasing the participation of the elderly in volunteering for sports events can be realized through several practical and effective solutions.These solutions not only help to increase the physical and mental health of the elderly, but also can strengthen social connections and the sense of belonging to the society in this age group.
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