Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and illustrate the physical activity and exercise among elderly women in Jyvaeskylae. Physical acivity and exercise was examined as one part of these women's life styles and from the point of view of their life history. The data consisted of interviews of 30 noninstitutionalized women from two cohorts: those born in 1905-06 and those born in 1917-18 (15 women from both cohorts). The data was collected in 1986 by a semistructured interview method. The interviews of the elderly women showed that the lives of the women were structured by the attitude of hard-work. The traditional images of women and of old people have restricted the possibilities of the women belonging to this generation to socialize in the world of sport. Most of the women interviewed had adopted motor activities as a special part of their life style after retiring. The most popular forms of motor activities were peaceful outdoor activities, which could easily be connected to other daily activities. The meaning of movement was attached to daily activities. Only a few participated in organized sports activities. The seasons did have influence on elderly women's physical activity and exercise. The differences between the cohorts were small. Verf.- Referat