Preparation of the Fitness Center at the College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University to support the aging society

Abstract

This research studied the preparedness of the Fitness Center’s services at the College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, to support the aging society. It was a qualitative study using the interviewing method. The data were collected through structured interviews to examine the Fitness Center’s preparation in five aspects, which were; 1) the building and environment, 2) the Fitness Center, 3) the services, 4) the service staff, and 5) the safety and emergency measures in accordance with the Standard for the Fitness-Center Business, Issue 1, B.E. 2557 (A.D. 2014), by the Ministry of Public Health. The key informants were the fitness center’s stakeholders divided into two groups:- (1) the customer group with customers aged 51 years and over (12 persons) and (2) the personnel group comprisinf personnel working at the College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University (12 persons). The sample groups were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The study found that both groups had similar views on the building and environment, the Fitness Center, and the safety and emergency measures, with the highest importance being given to convenience and safety; for example, adjusting the area to prevent slipping, preventing accidents while exercising, providing exercise areas appropriate for the elderly, and first-aid equipment ready to use. For the services, the customer group focused on healthy exercise activities with fun, diversity, and socialization. They were also interested ineducational activities concerning the health of theelderly, while the personnel-group informants focused on formulating appropriate exercise programs for the elderly that support their individual characteristics in terms of physical fitness and under lying disease. The group also focused on providing proper exercise advice, safety, and caution against accidents and injuries of the elderly. For the service-staff aspect, the customers focused on their service mind and being taken care of with close attention and receiving the staff’s advice, while the personnel group focuses on their development and specialization in the exercise for the elderly.

Keywords

• fitness center
• exercise
• elderly
• aging society