VCE PE Unit 2

Area of Study of 2:

Topic 15: Physical

Activity Across
the Lifespan

This chapter will look at physical activity across the lifespan, what activities we participate in
and when, as well as why we dont. We will also explore the factors that influence our initial
and continued participation in physical activity the socialising agencies that shape our
attitude.

Patterns and Trends in participation in physical activity

The Australian bureau of statistics (ABS) has collected statistical data over the years
relating to participation rates in physical activity according to age, gender, interest level
in sports and viewing and listening habits. This information is particularly useful in
identifying various influences, patters and trends.

Age:
The seven, age stages in todays society are; (p.356)

Involvement in certain activities may be influenced by reaching a certain age and its
associated physical characteristics. Age-related barriers to participation in certain
activities can be created by age-related stereotypes.

Infancy and childhood:

During infancy and childhood, children typically participate in many, play related
activities. In recent times we have seen the development of an increasing number of
structured play activities for children in the pre school age group. Very few children
actually compete in organised sport until the age of 7-8 years.
Play behaviour of preschool children can be classified into six categories. (p.357)

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

Childrens Participation in Organised Sport

An ABS study found that in the 12 months to April 2003, an estimated 1.6 million (62%)
Children participated in sport which occurred outside school hours, and which had been
organised by an association, club or school. (p.357)
Boys Participation Rate:

Girls Participation Rate

Most Popular Childrens Sport; (p.357)

Most Popular Boys Sport: (p.357)

Most Popular Girls Sport: (p.357)

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

The ABS also sought to identify the percentage of children who did not participate in
any organised sport outside of school hours during the same time period. Outline the
findings. (p.358)

It is also worth noting the growth in usage of electronic games and the internet by children.
Research suggests that sedentary behaviour, eg. The high frequency of television viewing,
computer usage and similar behaviours takes away time that could be devoted to physical
activity. Coupled with an overall lack of regular exercise, the aforementioned factors have
been identified as modifiable causes of childhood obesity.

Adolescence:
What is the trend in participation rates in adolescence? (p.359)

What factors influence participation rates in this age group? (p.359)

Reasons why adolescents participate in Physical Activity include:

The most common reason for adolescents dropping out of physical activity was:

Young adulthood
Rates of participation in sport and physical activity peak during the ages of 15-24 and
then progressively decline.

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

List the reasons why young adults move away from sports and physical activities.
(p.360)

Middle Adulthood
List the reasons why middle adulthood sees a move away from sports and physical
activities: (p.361)

Older Age
With increased life expectancies and early options, our society has older people with
greater amounts of leisure time than previous generations and their numbers will
continue to grow. Exercise and improved fitness have been shown to to significantly
improve the quality of life in middle and later years.
People with what health problems can benefit from Physical Activity and a healthy diet?
(p.362)

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

Why do older people take up traditional stereotypical sports such as lawn bowls or
croquet?

The media and the promotion of veterans and masters athletics, swimming and tennis
have increased participation rates also.

Gender

Women have historically received less than equal treatment in the sporting arena. This has
manifested itself in many ways: (p.364)

Males still outnumber females when it comes to registered sports participation; however,
female participation rates in sport have increased dramatically since the early 1970s.

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

Summaries the Health and Fitness Movement in the 1970s and 1980s. (p.364)

Discuss the difference in media coverage for men compared to women and outline how this
impacts on participation rates between the sexes. (p.364)

Participation Trends
Summaries the participation trends of people in regards to sport and physical activity. (p.366)

Attendance at Sporting Events: (p.366)

Socio-economic Status
Summaries the impact that socio-economic status has upon the participation rates of people
in regards to sport and physical activity. (p.366)

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

Subcultures (p.367)

Initial Involvement:
What influences an individual to initially take part in physical activity and sport and what
factors motivate an individual to continue participating in sport?
In order for an individual to participate in a sport they first must become aware of it and
be given and opportunity to play it.

Outline how each of the following groups influence,

ones participation in a sport or physical activity.
Family Influence (p.369)
Peers (p.369)
Schools and teachers
(p.369)
Coaches (p.370)
Costs (p.370)
Location of Facilities (p.370)
Time Available (p.370)
Modified Sports (p.371)
Media (p.371)
Ethnicity (p.372)

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

The most common reasons for both men and women not playing sport were that they
had no time or are too busy with other commitments. Cost does not seem to be a major
issue.

Continued Involvement:
As with initial involvement in physical activity, continued involvement can be strongly
associated with the satisfaction of various needs.
Intrinsic rewards for the participant could include: (p.373)

Intrinsic rewards for the non- participant could include: (p.373)

Extrinsic rewards gained from continued participation could include: (p.373)

Define intrinsic rewards: (p.373)

Define extrinsic rewards: (p.373)

VCE PE: Unit 2: The Active Body

Area of Study 2: The Impact of Physical Activity on the Body
Topic 15: Physical Activity Across the Lifespan