To me, this image exemplifies an attitude of peaceful acceptance and quiet enjoyment in old age. It moves away from the often-stereotyped representations of old age as either a period of decline and frailty or one that needs to be constantly “fought” with anti-aging measures and extreme activity. Instead, it suggests a stage of life where there can be beauty and fulfillment in stillness, connection, and simply appreciating the world around you.

Accepting the Aging Process: Sport can help individuals acknowledge and come to terms with the changes that occur with age, such as decreased physical abilities, changes in body composition, and the potential need for modified activities. Participating in age-appropriate sports, like masters athletics or adapted sports, allows people to continue engaging in physical activity while recognizing and respecting their bodies’ current capabilities.

Defying the Ageing Process: At the same time, sports can enable older people to actively fight against the detrimental impacts of ageing. Frequent exercise has been demonstrated to preserve bone density and muscular mass, improve cardiovascular health, improve cognitive function, and elevate mood. Older folks can defy the notion that they will inevitably deteriorate and preserve their physical vigour and control by continuing to play sports.

the groups less likely to have extensive opportunities to take part in sports are:

• Older persons with physical disabilities or long-term medical conditions.
• Older persons facing gendered expectations.
• Older persons with socioeconomic difficulties.

Privilege factors into aging and sport by determining access to resources.

Age discrimination is often reported more frequently than other forms of prejudice because it remains deeply embedded and normalized within society. Unlike other forms of discrimination that have faced significant social pushback, ageism tends to remain socially acceptable, often portrayed subtly through media and institutional narratives. Older individuals are frequently presented as threats to economic stability, healthcare systems, and cultural norms, which fosters stereotypes of them as burdens rather than valued community members.

In her influential TED Talk, Ashton Applewhite describes ageism as “prejudice against our future selves,” highlighting how society distances itself from aging by portraying older people as “other” or separate from productive society

Representation of Age:

• Nike: You Can’t Stop Us: The ad predominantly features younger, professional athletes, with limited representation of older individuals.

• This Girl Can: Me Again: This campaign includes women of various age groups, highlighting older women participating in physical activities. This approach challenges the notion that sports are exclusively for the young and underscores the message that it’s never too late to get active.

Yes, I agree with Elizabeth Pike’s observation that aging has been “feminized,” primarily because demographic trends and social attitudes surrounding aging disproportionately impact women. Statistically, women generally live longer than men, meaning a larger proportion of the elderly population is female. This demographic shift creates social narratives and policies focused significantly around women’s experiences in older age.

This feminization is reflected culturally and economically. Women often face compounded discrimination through ageism and sexism, where aging is socially stigmatized, particularly in relation to appearance and physical ability. For instance, the anti-aging beauty industry disproportionately targets women, reinforcing stereotypes that female value diminishes with age.

1) Describing the Problem

The 2024 redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park in Peterborough has ignited significant debate, primarily due to the city’s plan to invest $4.4 million in constructing 16 lighted pickleball courts, expanding parking facilities, and adding a specialized bike track. This initiative involves removing existing green spaces, including baseball diamonds and tennis courts, which has sparked opposition from local residents concerned about increased noise levels, environmental impacts, and a perceived lack of public consultation in the decision-making process.

The controversy in Peterborough centers on the city’s decision to redevelop Bonnerworth Park by installing 16 lighted pickleball courts, along with expanded parking, at a cost of $4.4 million. This plan involves removing existing green spaces, including baseball diamonds and tennis courts, which has sparked significant opposition from local residents. Concerns raised include increased noise levels, environmental impacts due to loss of green space, and a perceived lack of public consultation in the decision-making process (Davis, 2024)

The debate has been further intensified by discussions around municipal budget priorities, with some community members questioning the allocation of substantial funds to recreational projects amidst pressing issues like housing and social services .(Davis, 2024)

2) Representation of Older Pickleball Athletes and Neoliberal Agendas

In media and social media discussions, older pickleball enthusiasts are often portrayed through a dual lens. On one hand, they are seen as active, health-conscious individuals embracing a sport that promotes physical well-being and social engagement. This aligns with neoliberal ideals that emphasize personal responsibility for health and active aging. Such narratives suggest that by participating in pickleball, older adults are contributing positively to society by reducing potential healthcare burdens and embodying the virtues of self-care and productivity.(Pike, 2011)

However, this portrayal can also obscure underlying ageist sentiments. Critics of the park redevelopment have sometimes depicted pickleball players as a privileged group whose interests are prioritized over broader community needs. For instance, some residents have expressed frustration that significant public funds are being allocated to facilities that primarily serve older, more affluent demographics, potentially at the expense of services for younger or more marginalized populations .(Anselmi, 2024)

Elizabeth Pike’s analysis in “Assessing the Sociology of Sport: On Age and Ability” provides a framework for understanding these dynamics. She discusses how sport can both challenge and reinforce societal norms related to aging. In this case, while pickleball offers opportunities for older adults to remain active and socially connected, the surrounding discourse may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes that associate aging with decline or social exclusion, particularly when older athletes are portrayed as out of touch or self-serving in the context of community debates.​

Moreover, the emphasis on individual choice and market-driven solutions in promoting pickleball aligns with neoliberal agendas that prioritize personal responsibility over collective welfare. This perspective can marginalize those who lack access to such recreational opportunities, further entrenching social inequalities.​

References:

• Anselmi, E. (2024). Plan to pave a Peterborough park for pickleball faces pushback. The Narwhal. Retrieved from https://thenarwhal.ca/opinion-peterborough-pickleball-paves-park/
• Davis, G., & Lothian, R. (2024). What’s all the racket? Residents oppose pickleball courts at park in Peterborough, Ont. Global News. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/10402091/whats-all-the-racket-residents-oppose-pickleball-courts-at-park-in-peterborough-ont/
• Pike, E. (2011). Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 46(4), 491–496.