Elderly Sports, Challenges and Solutions (Case Study: Western Provinces of Iran)

The purpose of this research was to discuss the challenges and solutions regarding elderly sports in western provinces of Iran. The research is survey-descriptive and has conducted as field method. The data population were men and women aged over 60 years in the western provinces of Iran at 2015 that their number is 750,000 people according to statistics taken from official authorities. Among the population the 2,540 people were selected using Morgan table. Sampling method was accessible method. Researcher made questionnaire was used for data collection which contained 30 item in the 5 item Likert scale. The validity of questionnaire confirmed by 11 people of sport management professors. The reliability of the questionnaire was obtained 0.74 using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics indexes (Mean, standard deviation, and percent) and Chi-squared test were used for analyzing data. Results indicated that lack of sufficient recreational and sports facilities, low levels of education, low levels of income, physical weakness, cultural factors, psychological characteristics, family and proper education play a significant role in enjoyment of sports and leisure. With respect to results, it is recommended to establish sports and recreational sites for development of elderly sports.