The Challenges of Flexible Use of Public Sports Facilities for Socially Vulnerable Individuals

This study seeks to identify operational realities and issues experienced by the elderly subset of public sports facilities users, who are representative of the socially vulnerable groups, through in-depth analysis with the aim of proposing solutions for improvement. Through this study, we have identified the following four key issues in the operation of public sports facilities: Limited availability and accessibility, Barriers to various users, Underutilization of resources, and Lack of risk management plan. Overall, in order to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in daily life to socially vulnerable individuals including the elderly, and consequently increase participation rates, we need a medium to long-term message strategy. This strategy should include elements such as the form, intensity, and diversity of the message, including information, promotion, and persuasion strategies. We have become overly accustomed to a system where socially marginalized groups need to apply for access to public sports facilities. It is high time to shift towards an approach of anticipatory governance where services are readily secured and users are actively identified to ensure smooth usage. This adjustment is an essential direction that needs to be explored.