| Active living is a "way of life in which physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual activities are valued and are integrated into daily living" (Active Living Coalition for Older Adults, 2008). As such, physical activity is a critical component of active living through which each citizen is encouraged to be active 30 minutes a day for health benefits. Seniors with intellectual disability (ID) are currently not included in this movement. The Ecological Model of Human Behavior (EMHB) stresses the importance of a supportive environment promoting healthy behavior. It is the theoretical framework of this thesis, which is composed of a series of three articles, and therefore structures the literature review and the two research studies conducted. The first study inquired about the physical activity barriers, needs, and preferences of seniors with ID. It was carried out among seniors with ID themselves and educators through a questionnaire and focus groups interviews. The second study investigated the organization of physical activity for seniors with ID. It was carried out among centers for people with ID, senior citizen centers, and centers for health and leisure, through an online survey. Overall, results showed a remarkable interest by seniors with ID who enjoyed sharing their different perspectives. A great number among them exercised while having optimistic outlooks on their health. Physical activity programs were not designed around seniors with ID. Although their needs increase as they age, seniors remained relatively ignored and did not benefit from any special support in health prevention. The results also suggested that educators and service providers required greater guidance to facilitate the implementation of physical activities. Active living through physical activity was not yet conceptualized as a vehicle to promote health among seniors with ID. |
