Physical Literacy for Older Adults: A Call for Inter-Active Living

Abstract

Imagining oneself in later life can evoke powerful feelings and perceptions about aging, movement, and engagement. This chapter explores physical literacy for older adults through the Function2Flow framework, emphasising movement's functional, formal, feeling-based, and flow-oriented dimensions. Drawing from participatory, observational, focus group, and interview data collected from vibrant senior living communities in SSHRC funded partnership with the International Council on Active Aging, the authors illustrate how older adults actively and interactively cultivate physical literacy beyond mere functionality. Through richly descriptive examples, including posture alignment classes, joyous cardio drumming sessions, and engaging recreational activities, the authors challenge ageist assumptions by highlighting older adults' capacity for movement that is socially connected, energetically vibrant, and intrinsically rewarding. A focus on interactive and relational dynamics extends the scope of physical literacy by emphasising collective joy and shared vitality. Researchers, practitioners, and community leaders are encouraged to shift physical activity programming towards more meaningful, community-oriented interactions, fostering sustained, joyful, and socially enriched participation across the lifespan.