PERCEIVED BENEFITS, PERCEIVED BARRIERS AND NEEDS FOR EXERCISE WHICH APPLYING THE ART OF PENCAK SILAT DANCE TO ENHANCE HEALTH RELATED PHYSICAL FITNESS FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were study perceived benefits, perceived barriers and needs for exercise applying with the art of Pencak Silat dance to enhance health related physical fitness for the elderly of three groups of elderly, Each group of 8 consisted of 1) Elderly people who had experience in art of Pencak Silat dance 2) Elderly people who exercise regularly and 3) Elderly who do not exercise regularly from purposive sampling. The research methods used included in-depth interview and content analysis. The results revealed a consistent opinion among the three groups of elderly that they were beneficial to the body, promoted physical strength and maintained good balance, hard to fall, relieved stress and perceived benefits in accordance with the application of local arts and culture. Perceived barriers of the elderly, It was found that all three groups of elderly had consistent perceptions. The difference between groups found that there was no perceived barrier of time limitation in the group of elderly who have regularly exercised, while it was found in the group of elderly those who have occasionally exercised. In addition, perceived barriers found were the difficulty of Pancak Silat positions and fear of insulting against Panchak Silat which is linked to spiritual beliefs. The needs for exercise applying with the art of Pencak Silat dance to enhance health in accordance with physical fitness for the elderly. It was found that all three groups of elderly needed to be guided, supported and encouraged to carry out continuous actions and activities may be conducted in the form of groups or individual at home.