Physical declines with aging may negatively impact women’s body image. Group physical activity can be a source of social support that may improve body image. We examined how social support experienced in group physical activity programs impacts older women’s body image. Guided by interpretive description, we interviewed 14 women age 65 years and older who participated in group physical activity classes. Although women experienced both positive and negative body image, body image was generally positively impacted by physical activity. Four themes described social support processes that affected body image in the physical activity context: fitting in and being inspired through identifying with others; what is discussed and not discussed; providing comfort, understanding, and acceptance; and skilled and empathetic interactions with instructors. Understanding how social support in group physical activity can promote positive body image throughout aging can inform practical guidelines for facilitating and improving support in this context.

随着年龄的增长，身体的衰退可能会对女性的身体形象产生负面影响。集体体育活动可以成为改善身体形象的社会支持来源。我们研究了团体体育活动计划中的社会支持如何影响老年女性的身体形象。在解释性描述的指导下，我们采访了 14 名 65 岁及以上参加团体体育活动课程的女性。尽管女性经历了积极和消极的身体形象，但身体形象通常受到身体活动的积极影响。四个主题描述了在体育活动背景下影响身体形象的社会支持过程：融入他人并通过认同他人而受到启发；讨论和未讨论的内容；提供安慰、理解和接纳；以及与导师的熟练和善解人意的互动。