This paper revises an earlier taxonomy of equity models that was published in this journal in 198... more This paper revises an earlier taxonomy of equity models that was published in this journal in 1988. This revised taxonomy consists of three elements. First, it extends the original taxonomy by proposing a set of moral philosophies, positioning them as antecedents of the operational strategies that determine equity outcomes. Six are identified: Rawlsian, egalitarianism, benefit principle, utilitarianism, libertarianism and paternal professionalism. It is suggested that communitarianism offers a philosophical basis for reconciling some of the antithetical perspectives embedded in these six moral philosophies. A second element in the taxonomy suggests the operational criterion flowing from each of the moral philosophies when it is adapted as the basis for policy decisions regarding the allocation of resources to leisure services. The third element identifies 14 operational strategies that determine equity outcomes. Their linkage to operational criteria and moral philosophies is shown. Potential equity consequences and implications of the operational strategies are illustrated and compared by use of a scenario relating the allocation of resources to park land acquisition.
Seven operationalizations of equity that offer alternate criteria for allocating resources for le... more Seven operationalizations of equity that offer alternate criteria for allocating resources for leisure services were assessed using residents in a Texas city. The operationalizations were compensatory, equality, taxes paid, direct price, efficiency, advocacy and professional judgment. Two samples of data were selected using mail surveys of 903 households and by personal delivery and pickup at 200 additional minority households. A preference/perception grid showed professional judgment as being the only operationalization which received an above average score on both scales. Differences in residents' preferences and perceptions were related to gender, ethnicity and home value and not related to years of residence in the community or frequency with which residents used park and recreation services.
Objective. A physical activity disparity exists between rural and urban residents. Community park... more Objective. A physical activity disparity exists between rural and urban residents. Community parks are resources for physical activity because they are publicly provided, available at a low cost, and accessible to most residents. We examine the use of and physical activity outcomes associated with rural and urban parks.
We appreciate the opportunity to reply to Drs. Cohen and McKenzie. Before presenting potential ex... more We appreciate the opportunity to reply to Drs. Cohen and McKenzie. Before presenting potential explanations for our anomalous findings, we will address their specific comments.
Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity disparity compared to younger, mal... more Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity disparity compared to younger, male, and urban populations. Research suggests that enjoyment of physical activity may function as an antecedent to participation and also as an outcome that can encourage future leisure time physical activity. This study examines how rural women's choice of leisure time physical activity location and activity companions informs their enjoyment of that physical activity. Weeklong activity diaries were completed by 39 rural‐dwelling women aged 50 to 74. Of the 528 bouts of physical activity reported, activities undertaken with companions and in public settings were most enjoyable. However, women most frequently participated alone and in their homes. Women's type of physical activity was a significant moderator of their enjoyment in different social groups and environments. The discussion considers leisure providers’ opportunities to empower this subpopulation with neighborhood‐proximate park facility placement and program design. Avenues for future research, such as site and program preference studies, are also identified.
ABSTRACT: Context: Challenged with a higher incidence of disease, reduced social support, and les... more ABSTRACT: Context: Challenged with a higher incidence of disease, reduced social support, and less access to physical activity facilities and services, rural older adults may find healthy active living a challenge. Despite these challenges, some rural older adults manage to achieve active lifestyles. Purpose: This study investigates the relative importance of 4 extra-individual correlates of physical activity to physical activity achievement in rural seniors. Methods: Data were drawn from mail questionnaires completed by 454 adults age 65 and over in 7 rural North Carolina counties. Findings: Results from an analysis of covariance indicate that respondents who approached CDC/ACSM recommended levels of physical activity were significantly more likely to report that they lived within walking distance to parks, perceived they had transportation to physical activity areas, had a partner with whom to be active, and felt activity facilities were safe. Next, 7 extra-individual correlates of physical activity were entered into a backward logistic regression. The resultant model predicting physical activity achievement among rural older adults included social support for physical activity, a safe environment for physical activity, and reported ability to walk to a local park. Conclusions: Interventions designed to provide social support, heighten safety at activity areas and improve park infrastructure may provide opportunities to increase physical activity among seniors.
This paper revises an earlier taxonomy of equity models that was published in this journal in 198... more This paper revises an earlier taxonomy of equity models that was published in this journal in 1988. This revised taxonomy consists of three elements. First, it extends the original taxonomy by proposing a set of moral philosophies, positioning them as antecedents of the operational strategies that determine equity outcomes. Six are identified: Rawlsian, egalitarianism, benefit principle, utilitarianism, libertarianism and paternal professionalism. It is suggested that communitarianism offers a philosophical basis for reconciling some of the antithetical perspectives embedded in these six moral philosophies. A second element in the taxonomy suggests the operational criterion flowing from each of the moral philosophies when it is adapted as the basis for policy decisions regarding the allocation of resources to leisure services. The third element identifies 14 operational strategies that determine equity outcomes. Their linkage to operational criteria and moral philosophies is shown. Potential equity consequences and implications of the operational strategies are illustrated and compared by use of a scenario relating the allocation of resources to park land acquisition.
Seven operationalizations of equity that offer alternate criteria for allocating resources for le... more Seven operationalizations of equity that offer alternate criteria for allocating resources for leisure services were assessed using residents in a Texas city. The operationalizations were compensatory, equality, taxes paid, direct price, efficiency, advocacy and professional judgment. Two samples of data were selected using mail surveys of 903 households and by personal delivery and pickup at 200 additional minority households. A preference/perception grid showed professional judgment as being the only operationalization which received an above average score on both scales. Differences in residents' preferences and perceptions were related to gender, ethnicity and home value and not related to years of residence in the community or frequency with which residents used park and recreation services.
Objective. A physical activity disparity exists between rural and urban residents. Community park... more Objective. A physical activity disparity exists between rural and urban residents. Community parks are resources for physical activity because they are publicly provided, available at a low cost, and accessible to most residents. We examine the use of and physical activity outcomes associated with rural and urban parks.
We appreciate the opportunity to reply to Drs. Cohen and McKenzie. Before presenting potential ex... more We appreciate the opportunity to reply to Drs. Cohen and McKenzie. Before presenting potential explanations for our anomalous findings, we will address their specific comments.
Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity disparity compared to younger, mal... more Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity disparity compared to younger, male, and urban populations. Research suggests that enjoyment of physical activity may function as an antecedent to participation and also as an outcome that can encourage future leisure time physical activity. This study examines how rural women's choice of leisure time physical activity location and activity companions informs their enjoyment of that physical activity. Weeklong activity diaries were completed by 39 rural‐dwelling women aged 50 to 74. Of the 528 bouts of physical activity reported, activities undertaken with companions and in public settings were most enjoyable. However, women most frequently participated alone and in their homes. Women's type of physical activity was a significant moderator of their enjoyment in different social groups and environments. The discussion considers leisure providers’ opportunities to empower this subpopulation with neighborhood‐proximate park facility placement and program design. Avenues for future research, such as site and program preference studies, are also identified.
ABSTRACT: Context: Challenged with a higher incidence of disease, reduced social support, and les... more ABSTRACT: Context: Challenged with a higher incidence of disease, reduced social support, and less access to physical activity facilities and services, rural older adults may find healthy active living a challenge. Despite these challenges, some rural older adults manage to achieve active lifestyles. Purpose: This study investigates the relative importance of 4 extra-individual correlates of physical activity to physical activity achievement in rural seniors. Methods: Data were drawn from mail questionnaires completed by 454 adults age 65 and over in 7 rural North Carolina counties. Findings: Results from an analysis of covariance indicate that respondents who approached CDC/ACSM recommended levels of physical activity were significantly more likely to report that they lived within walking distance to parks, perceived they had transportation to physical activity areas, had a partner with whom to be active, and felt activity facilities were safe. Next, 7 extra-individual correlates of physical activity were entered into a backward logistic regression. The resultant model predicting physical activity achievement among rural older adults included social support for physical activity, a safe environment for physical activity, and reported ability to walk to a local park. Conclusions: Interventions designed to provide social support, heighten safety at activity areas and improve park infrastructure may provide opportunities to increase physical activity among seniors.
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