Ageism in Physical Activity and Sports Settings: Perceptions and Understandings of Physical Education Professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The use of age characterizes ageism as a criterion for classifying and discriminating against individuals, particularly affecting older people. Objective: To analyze how Physical Education professionals from the sports and physical activity program teams at Sesc units in the State of São Paulo understand and identify ageism in their service. Methodology: This was a descriptive, exploratory, and quantitative study that employed an online questionnaire developed from two focus group discussions. The reports were systematized into analytical categories and coded. Associations were analyzed using the chi-square test (χ²) in SPSS. Results: 283 professionals responded to the questionnaire. Interpersonal ageism was predominant (76.8%), occurring most frequently among the public (51.4%) and then among educators (23.7%). Older people were the most affected (79.1%). There was an association, with a predominance of men, in cases of ageism against women (p = 0.001). The gymnasium showed the highest number of cases (25.4%). Conclusion: Ageism is present in physical activity environments. Awareness campaigns, continuous training, and intergenerational practices, aligned with the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing, are necessary to promote respect for age diversity.

Keywords: Ageism; Older people; Physical Activity; Professionals.