INVOLVEMENT OF OLDER PEOPLE IN INDEPENDENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN KAZAKHSTAN: REGIONAL DIFFERENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIGITAL SUPPORT

Authors

  • Diana Akizhanova L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62931/

Keywords:

older age, physical activity, independent physical activity, active longevity, sports pedagogy, mass sports, digital technologies, Kazakhstan.

Abstract

The study aims to identify a regional cross-section of the participation of the older population in independent physical activity in Kazakhstan. The authors proposed directions for digital support of physical culture and recreation activities of the studied age group. The research methodology includes a secondary analysis of official statistical data, and a comparative analysis of regional cases. As a result, it was revealed that in 2026, that 47.7% of the population of Kazakhstan aged three years and older were involved in physical culture and sports, and 19.2% of the population exercised independently. Among persons engaging in independent physical activity, adults aged 58 years and older accounted for 16.6%. In three regions of Kazakhstan, adults aged 58 years and older accounted for more than 30% of persons engaging in independent physical activity, approximately 1.8–2.0 times the national share of 16.6%. Comparison of the data showed that a high level of physical activity of older people is observed in regions with different demographic structures. This determines the independent physical activity of the older population as a result of the interaction of demographic, infrastructural, social, organizational and pedagogical conditions.

Author Biography

  • Diana Akizhanova, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Acting Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Translation Theory and Practice, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan.

    e-mail: diana.akizhanova@gmail.com

    ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1300-0339

References

1 Akimat of Almaty City. Around 4,000 Sports Facilities: Almaty Is Building the Future of Sports // Official website of the Akimat of Almaty City. — 2026.

2 Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 47.7% of Kazakhstan’s Population Engages in Physical Culture and Sports // Official website of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. — 2026.

3 Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Population Ageing Index // Official website of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. — 2026.

4 Alley S.J., et al. Effectiveness of Digital Physical Activity Interventions in Older Adults // International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. — 2024. — Vol. 21. — Art. 144.

5 Barnett D.W., et al. Built Environmental Correlates of Older Adults’ Total Physical Activity and Walking // International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. — 2017. — Vol. 14. — Art. 103.

6 Bull F.C., et al. World Health Organization 2020 Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour // British Journal of Sports Medicine. — 2020.

7 Cunningham C., et al. Consequences of Physical Inactivity in Older Adults // Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. — 2020. — Vol. 30. — P. 816–827.

8 Goodwin M.V., et al. A Systematic Review Assessing mHealth Physical Activity Interventions in Older Adults // mHealth. — 2026. — Vol. 12. — Art. 22.

9 Ibrayeva G., Mukhanov A., Serikova L. Physical Activity Levels in Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study on Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Regional Factors // Medicina. — 2025. — Vol. 61, № 11. — Art. 1913.

10 Jenkin C.R., et al. Sport and Ageing // BMC Public Health. — 2017. — Vol. 17. — Art. 976.

11 Lindsay Smith G., et al. The Association Between Social Support and Physical Activity in Older Adults // International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. — 2017. — Vol. 14. — Art. 56.

12 Krykbayeva M., Yerofeyeva R., Idiyatova Y., et al. Review of Regional Models for Engaging Older Adults in Mass Sports: Practices Using Digital Technologies // SIST 2026 – 2026 IEEE 6th International Conference on Smart Information Systems and Technologies, Conference Proceedings. — IEEE, 2026.

13 Spiteri K., et al. Barriers and Motivators of Physical Activity Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults // Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. — 2019. — Vol. 27. — P. 929–944.

14 Zhong H.M., et al. Can Internet Use Change Sport Participation Behavior Among Residents? // Frontiers in Public Health. — 2022. — Vol. 10. — Art. 837911.

Downloads

Published

2026-09-30

Issue

Section

Physical Education and Sports

How to Cite

INVOLVEMENT OF OLDER PEOPLE IN INDEPENDENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN KAZAKHSTAN: REGIONAL DIFFERENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIGITAL SUPPORT. (2026). Sport Science Research, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.62931/

Similar Articles

1-10 of 40

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.