India, April 27 -- Modified sports with shorter game times and more focus on fun than winning could prove key to encouraging older Australians to play sport and keep fit.

New Flinders University research has found adults play sport for the enjoyment, to improve their fitness and to socialise, but injuries, illness and family commitments can hamper participation.

"We know that in Australia, two thirds of young people play sport, but this drops to only a third when looking at Australians aged over 55," says study lead author Sarah Crossman, a PhD Candidate in Flinders University's College of Education, Psychology & Social Work.

"However, at this age, people often turn to other physical activities such as bushwalking or going to the gym s...