Swimming and well-being in women of menopausal age : an exploratory study

Abstract

Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle due to the termination of her ovarian functions, usually beginning between the ages of 45 and 55. Women’s well-being is affected by the symptoms of menopause, which may be of both a physical and a mental nature. Swimming is known to have therapeutic properties and thereby enhance quality of life. This study aimed to explore the effects of menopause on women, and the impact that regular swimming during their menopausal years can have on those effects. The objective was to explore the meaning that menopausal women give to swimming in their lives, including any benefits or risks posed to them by this form of exercise. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from six women, aged between 45 and 55, who were experiencing signs of menopause and engaged in regular swimming. Thematic Analysis was employed as a methodological framework for analysing the transcripts. Four superordinate themes were identified, each theme further divided into various subthemes. Findings suggested that swimming is a suitable form of exercise for women of menopausal age and that the experience of regular swimming has a beneficial effect on both physical and mental well-being. A recommendation based on the study’s findings would be to create more awareness of the benefits of swimming in menopausal years and to encourage women to take up regular swimming, whether in a group or alone. Future research could explore how swimming compares to other forms of exercise for women of menopausal age.