The Relationship between Motivational Factors of Sports Participation with the Level of General Health and Quality of Life in Inactive Elderly

Background & aim: Aging is the gradual erosion of vital organs and is an important issue in all societies. Sedentary lifestyle doubles the problems of old age and affects people's quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between motivational factors of sports participation with the level of general health and quality of life of inactive elderly. Methods: The research was a descriptive-correlational study which conducted on 200 inactive elderlies in Lahijan nursing home in 1400. Samples were selected by available methods. The instruments were included the Demographic and Elderly Sports Participation Questionnaire (PMQOA), the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GQH-28), and the Lipad Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using K-S, Pearson correlation, Watson camera and multivariate regression using SPSS23 software. Results: The results showed that 71% of the inactive elderlies were in the average level in terms of socio-economic status. There was a significant and positive relationship (p˂0.01) between motivation for sports participation with general health (r=48) and between motivation for sports participation and quality of life (r=42). Conclusion: The results showed that participation in sports activities in the elderly improved their general health and quality of life. So, the elderly can include regular physical activity and exercise in their routine to improve their general health and quality of life. Due to this issue, there is a need for planning and interventions in the field of sports and physical activities for the elderly.