From physically active to physically inactive: Understanding the experiences of a familial carer's loss of self

Melinda Spencer, Martin Penson, Nichola Kentzer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to Book/ReportChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Levels of physical activity (PA) for carers are lower than non-carers (Carers UK, 2022). Literature indicates that these levels are lower than carers would like (Carers UK, 2019) and are due to participation barriers such as guilt, lack of time and fatigue (Horne et al., 2021). According to Horne et al. (2021), a greater understanding of these barriers is needed, as PA interventions for carers can offer important health benefits (e.g., Danucalov et al., 2015).

This chapter presents a unique and insider perspective of these barriers to PA by offering an insight into how the caring role impacted on the social and physically active identity of a carer, who had previously enjoyed a positive relationship with PA. The carer in this research was the participant, co-researcher and second author, allowing for a reflective co-constructed analysis of his caring experiences.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnderstanding the Grief and Loss Experiences of Carers. Research, Practitioner and Personal Perspectives
EditorsKerry Jones, Joanna Horne
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter4
Number of pages13
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781003435365
ISBN (Print)1032564040, 978-1032564043
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Physical activity (PA)
  • Carers
  • Barriers
  • Identity
  • Interventions

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