Günay Yıldızer, Grantee of ITC Conference Grant
Bio:
I am Dr. Günay Yıldızer, an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport at Eskişehir Technical University, Türkiye. I earned my PhD in 2018, and my academic focus is on physical activity epidemiology.
Grant supported actions and initiatives:
At the NASPSPA 2025 Annual Conference, I presented my oral presentation titled “Breaking Barriers: Insights into Physical Activity Participation Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through the Theory of Planned Behavior and Participatory Approaches.” This study highlighted the importance of integrating participatory research methodologies with established behavioral theories to better understand and address the barriers that older adults face in maintaining regular physical activity. The conference provided an excellent platform for engaging with leading researchers in motor behavior, sport psychology, and physical activity promotion. Attending NASPSPA 2025 not only enhanced my academic visibility but also contributed to the advancement of my work within PAAR-net, particularly in refining co-creation strategies and developing inclusive, evidence-based interventions. This experience strengthened my commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and reinforced my resolve to continue contributing to impactful research in the field of physical activity and aging.
Testimonial:
Attending the NASPSPA 2025 Conference in Lake Tahoe was a highly rewarding experience. Sessions sparked valuable discussions, particularly around program scalability and the integration of participatory approaches. I also connected with NASPSPA leadership and expanded my international network, while exchanging insights with fellow researchers and PhD students interested in COST programs like PAAR.net.