<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Physical activity is considered one of the most important components of daily activities and a healthy lifestyle for the older adult to achieve well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore older adults’ views on physical activity in the neighborhood environment. This study is qualitative and interpretive in nature. In this research, thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze and report patterns in the qualitative data, employing Braun and Clarke’s six-step inductive approach. Twenty-four active seniors in the Ekhtiarieh neighborhood of Tehran were interviewed in person. The purpose of the interview was to probe into the deep layers of the interviewees’ mindset and obtain valid information. The analysis of the data yielded <italic>Hygge</italic> as the global theme, and the three main themes of joyful emotions and behavior (Wellness Hygge), perceived social support (Neighborhood Hygge), and safety and security, as well as eight sub-themes. Although Hygge derives Danish culture and its national identity, The creation of a Hygge subculture in the neighborhood through physical activity can be considered as a collective effort to deal with the contradictions in the society with happiness. The findings of this research have been chosen as inspiring concepts for a better and healthier life, to reproduce simple cultural elements that do not exist in the situation of the local culture, by borrowing from the the culture of Denmark, the happiest country in the world.</p>
</abstract>

Physical activity is considered one of the most important components of daily activities and a healthy lifestyle for the older adult to achieve well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore older adults’ views on physical activity in the neighborhood environment. This study is qualitative and interpretive in nature. In this research, thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze and report patterns in the qualitative data, employing Braun and Clarke’s six-step inductive approach. Twenty-four active seniors in the Ekhtiarieh neighborhood of Tehran were interviewed in person. The purpose of the interview was to probe into the deep layers of the interviewees’ mindset and obtain valid information. The analysis of the data yielded Hygge as the global theme, and the three main themes of joyful emotions and behavior (Wellness Hygge), perceived social support (Neighborhood Hygge), and safety and security, as well as eight sub-themes. Although Hygge derives Danish culture and its national identity, The creation of a Hygge subculture in the neighborhood through physical activity can be considered as a collective effort to deal with the contradictions in the society with happiness. The findings of this research have been chosen as inspiring concepts for a better and healthier life, to reproduce simple cultural elements that do not exist in the situation of the local culture, by borrowing from the the culture of Denmark, the happiest country in the world.

Hygge in Iran? The Lived Experience of Physical Activity of Older Adults in the Neighborhood Environment in Tehran

Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Physical activity is considered one of the most important components of daily activities and a healthy lifestyle for the older adult to achieve well-being. The...

Hygge in Iran? The Lived Experience of Physical Activity of Older Adults in the Neighborhood Environment in Tehran

Published Online: Nov 10, 2023

Page range: 19 - 27

Received: Apr 27, 2023

Accepted: Aug 28, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2024-0002

Keywords
active aging, joyful emotions and behavior, perceived social support, safety, security

© 2024 Sahar Khanizadeh et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Hygge in Iran? The Lived Experience of Physical Activity of Older Adults in the Neighborhood Environment in Tehran

Published Online: Nov 10, 2023

Page range: 19 - 27

Received: Apr 27, 2023

Accepted: Aug 28, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2024-0002

Keywordsactive aging, joyful emotions and behavior, perceived social support, safety, security

© 2024 Sahar Khanizadeh et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
active aging, joyful emotions and behavior, perceived social support, safety, security