Queer and active in old Age: Analysis and effects of a physical activity promotion program for queer seniors

Abstract

Introduction & Purpose: This study examined the effects of a tailored physical activity promotion program on the physical performance and subjective well-being of queer older adults. While the benefits of regular exercise in ageing populations are well established (Ferrauti, 2020; World Health Organization, 2020), queer seniors remain an underrepresented group in sport and health research. Many experience discrimination and exclusion in sports contexts, which may discourage participation (Noro & Mourão, 2024). In cooperation with the association Queer Altern Bern (qAB), a five-month intervention was developed to provide a safe, inclusive environment where participants could improve strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility without fear of stigma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the program’s effects on functional fitness and well-being, thereby contributing to inclusive approaches to health promotion in later life.

Methods: A longitudinal pre–post design was employed. Fifteen members of QAB (M = 70.2 ± 4.7 years; 11 men, 4 women) participated in weekly one-hour exercise sessions emphasizing muscle strengthening, coordination, and mobility, complemented by endurance training. Physical performance was assessed using six standardized tests: Functional Reach, Timed Up and Go, Handgrip Strength, Step Length, Finger-to-Floor Distance, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (Crapo et al., 2002; Podsiadlo & Richardson, 1991; Roberts et al., 2011). Subjective data on physical activity, sitting time, well-being, enjoyment of physical activity, and Stages of Change (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997) were collected through questionnaires. Statistical analyses included paired-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (α = .05), with Cohen’s d and r as effect sizes.

Results: Significant improvements were found in the Functional Reach Test (pre: M = 37.3 ± 6.2 cm; post: M = 44.2 ± 8.9 cm) and the 6-Minute Walk Test (pre: M = 823.3 ± 191.9 m; post: M = 874.6 ± 181.3 m), indicating enhanced dynamic balance and endurance. Body height increased significantly (pre: M = 174.09 ± 7.66 cm; post: M = 174.86 ± 8.03 cm), likely reflecting improved posture. No significant changes were observed in handgrip strength or subjective well-being, though small positive trends appeared in physical activity levels and reduced sedentary time. Participants reported higher confidence and social connectedness within the group.

Discussion: The findings confirm that even moderate-intensity, multimodal exercise can lead to measurable improvements in physical functioning among older adults (Ferrauti, 2020; Geuter, 2012; Güllich & Krüger, 2013). The program’s social setting—a queer-affirmative safe space—proved essential for motivation and adherence, echoing previous recommendations for inclusive sports environments (Noro & Mourão, 2024; World Health Organization, 2020). Nevertheless, the limited sample and absence of a control group restrict generalizability. Future studies should examine long-term adherence and psychosocial benefits with larger, comparative samples.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a specifically designed, inclusive exercise program can improve functional performance and foster psychosocial well-being among queer seniors. Integrating physical, motivational, and social dimensions, it represents a promising model for community-based health promotion. The results highlight the need for identity-affirming interventions that support autonomy, reduce isolation, and promote equality in active ageing (Crăciun, 2023; Niebauer, 2023).

References

Crăciun, I. C. (2023). Förderung der Entwicklung Im Mittleren und Höheren Lebensalter: Eine Perspektive der positiven Psychologie (1st ed). Springer International Publishing.

Crapo, R. O., Enright, P. L., & Zeballos, J. R. (2002). ATS Statement: Guidelines for the six-minute walk test. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 166(1), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.166.1.at1102

Ferrauti, A. (Ed.). (2020). Trainingswissenschaft für die Sportpraxis: Lehrbuch für Studium, Ausbildung und Unterricht im Sport (1. Aufl. 2020). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58227-5

Geuter, G. (2012). Bewegungsförderung und Gesundheit im Alter. Public Health Forum, 20(1), 9–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phf.2011.12.005

Güllich, A., & Krüger, M. (Eds.). (2013). Sport: Das Lehrbuch für das Sportstudium. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37546-0

Niebauer, J. (2023). Sportkardiologie (2nd ed). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Noro, F., & Mourão, L. (2024). LGBTQIA+ individuals in the sports context: A systematic literature review based on social identity theory. Trends in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43076-024-00395-y

Podsiadlo, D., & Richardson, S. (1991). The Timed “Up & Go”: A Test of Basic Functional Mobility for Frail Elderly Persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 39(2), 142–148. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1991.tb01616.x

Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change. American Journal of Health Promotion, 12(1), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38

Roberts, H. C., Denison, H. J., Martin, H. J., Patel, H. P., Syddall, H., Cooper, C., & Sayer, A. A. (2011). A review of the measurement of grip strength in clinical and epidemiological studies: Towards a standardised approach. Age and Ageing, 40(4), 423–429. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afr051

World Health Organization. (2020). WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (1st ed). World Health Organization.