Behavior and Motivational Profiles of Aging People's Participation in Swimming: A Cross-sectional Study in Southeastern China

Background Swimming is a popular form of exercise in southeastern China. With China’s rapidly aging population and the growing emphasis on healthy aging, investigating the swimming behavior and motivations for participation among aging individuals (aged > 45 years) in southeastern China is crucial for public health strategies. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in southeastern China, and 353 regular swimmers (175 males, 178 females) were recruited to complete questionnaires assessing swimming behavior (stroke preference, duration, intensity, and frequency), and motivations (enjoyment, health benefits, social interaction, self-image, and personal achievement). Results The results indicated that health benefits were the primary motivation (score: 4.062), followed by enjoyment. Aging men exhibited higher exercise frequency (27.43% swam 3–4 times/week vs. 4.12% women) and intensity (47.43% reported "fairly intense" exertion vs. 33.71% females) compared to aging women. Additionally, men favored technically demanding strokes (e.g., freestyle: 66.29%), whereas women preferred simpler techniques (14.04% used leg-only movements). Furthermore, education and income significantly influenced swimming motivations, with higher education or income groups prioritizing health, personal achievement, and social interaction motivation. Notably, older men (65–74 years) demonstrated stronger self-image motivation than the youngers, whereas women’s motivations were more income-dependent. Conclusions These findings highlight the need for tailored swimming exercise interventions to promote health among aging populations in China. Practical implications include designing skill-focused programs for men and relaxation-oriented activities for women, and advocating for age-friendly swimming policies such as discounted memberships or accessible facilities for low-income groups.