Navigating a new home: a grounded theory model of sports as a catalyst for social integration among aging migrants in China

Introduction The rapidly expanding aging migrant population in China presents a critical challenge for both public health and social justice, as poor social integration is linked to heightened risks of social isolation and mental health issues. While sports are recognized as a potential vehicle for integration, the specific mechanisms through which they can be leveraged as a professional social work intervention remain theoretically underdeveloped. Methods This study employed a rigorous grounded theory approach, analyzing multi-source data from 34 aging migrants and 23 supplementary texts, to construct a novel multidimensional model. Results Our findings reveal a dynamic system composed of six core elements: social inclusiveness (external conditional system) and intergenerational relationships (internal kinetic mechanism) create the foundational capacity for participation; social networks (behavioral-structural driver) and social memory (behavioral-attributive driver) operate synergistically to execute the integration process; and psychological integration and identity recognition mark the successful internalization of belonging. Crucially, these elements form a dynamic cycle, offering a roadmap for intervention. Discussion This model moves beyond fragmented indicators to provide a holistic theoretical explanation. Crucially, it extends the value of sports beyond the playing field, offering a practical framework for sport social workers to foster inclusive communities. By elucidating the roles of intergenerational dynamics and social memory, the research provides actionable insights for advancing the social rights and lifelong wellbeing of this vulnerable demographic.