6
Section One: The Fundamentals
A) Keywords
Exercise 1:
Provide a brief definition of one of the padlet keywords for this week.
| Third Age: As described by Elizabeth Pike, third age is part of a 2 phase process that is typically used to conceptualize old age. It refers to a stage in life in which people remove themselves from work and start engaging in more active lifestyles. This period of time can specifically include increased leisure time and personal growth that is accompanied by opportunities to pursue new interests and hobbies. Ultimately, it refers to the beginning of retirement, when older adults can redefine their identity and find fulfillment beyond their previous work roles.
Pike, E. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 50(4-5), 570-574. https://doi-org.proxy1.lib.trentu.ca/10.1177/10126902145500 |
B) The Social Significance of Aging in Sport
Exercise 2: Notebook Prompt
How is old age popularly represented today? Find an image online that you think exemplifies one defining attitude towards old age and paste in your notebook below with a brief explanation of what this image means to you.
I believe that the media plays an important part in the representation of old age, portraying it as a decline in health as an individual nears the end of their life. This connects with the fourth age concept that Pike explains is “marked by increased health difficulties and decline in social participation” (Pike, 2015). To me, this image reflects the notion of the fourth age because it shows an older individual who is getting out of bed with the help of two healthcare professionals. This demonstrates the decline in health and the loss of independence, which I often see represented in media, such as news outlets or television shows. Pike, E. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 50(4-5), 570-574. https://doi-org.proxy1.lib.trentu.ca/10.1177/10126902145500 |
Exercise 3: Notebook Prompt
What does the article (referencing another study by Dionigi) mean by its statement that sport can help aging people to simultaneously “accept and resist the ageing process” (572)? Respond by audio or text and find paste two images sourced online into your notebook showing how sport might help aging people to both accept and resist the aging process.
| The statement that sport can help people “accept and resist the ageing process” represents a dual dynamic where older adults can remain active through sport but still understand their decline in health (Pike, 2015). The acceptance portion of the ageing process refers to the recognition of the inevitable physical changes that occur with ageing. When older adults continue to participate in sport, it allows them to acknowledge their changing abilities because they are not able to push their bodies the way they used to when they were younger. This gives them opportunities to adjust their expectations about their physical performance and start embracing the changes that are occurring. Furthermore, the resistance portion of the aging process refers to the idea that since older adults are remaining active, they are challenging the negative stereotypes of aging. The ageing stereotypes typically see older people as frail or lonely, but by being physically active they are maintaining strength, independence and social connection. Ultimately, consistent participation in sport allows older adults to understand their body and accept the inevitable changes, but at the same time it ensures they break down the conventional societal views of aging.
This image presents the idea of resisting the aging process because these gentlemen are showing their physical ability and health by competing against each other in a running race. This sense of competition also promotes a social connection to one another which resists the idea that older people become lonely and sad.
This image represents the acceptance portion of the aging process because these women aren’t pushing their bodies limits, but instead they are playing simple games that give them the opportunity to be active and socially engage with others. To me, this demonstrates the acceptance of the physical changes that occur with aging but not using that as an excuse to not be physically active. |
Exercise 4: Notebook Prompt
Who are the groups less likely to have extensive opportunities to take part in sports, according to Pike? How does privilege factor into aging and sport? (200 words max)
| As outlined by Pike, the groups that are less likely to have opportunities to take part in sports are individuals with disabilities, very frail people, certain minority ethnic groups, and those who live in care facilities or rural areas (Pike, 2015). All of these groups of people face different issues when trying to access sport, but the overall themes are focused on physical limitations like disabilities and being weak, or economic restrictions, as seen in minority groups or people living far away from resources. Furthermore, privilege plays an important role in the dynamic of opportunities within aging and sport, this is mainly seen in the increased availability of resources. People with greater levels of social and economic assets are going to have more access to resources that can support active aging to ensure a continuation in sport participation. For example, people with more money can afford better healthcare that ensures quicker access to health resources that can limit fragility and keep people away from care facilities. Ultimately, privilege gives people more opportunities to look after their own well-being and health, which gives them the ability to remain active and participate in a wide range of sports.
Pike, E. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 50(4-5), 570-574. https://doi-org.proxy1.lib.trentu.ca/10.1177/10126902145500
|
Exercise 5: Padlet Discussion
Why do you think age discrimination is “reported more than any form of prejudice” with older people presented as a threat to social values and interests? Feel welcome to use video in your responses. Paste your comments (or transcript of your video) below!
| Age discrimination is reported more due to the structure of society which values independence over dependence. For example, as technology began taking over, much of the older population struggled to adapt which led to a dependency on others. Situations like that are what drive the idea that older people are less capable and a burden to our healthcare system and society. While these stereotypes have grown, so have important components of society like the media, which have taken the stance of glorifying youth while portraying aging as negative. Ultimately, with the copious amounts of choices and possible decisions in our world, aging seems to have built a reputation of becoming a burden due to the increased likelihood of becoming dependent on other people.
|
B) Older Women and Sport
Exercise 6: Notebook Prompt
What differences do you see in these ads? Which one is more inclusive? How is age represented or not represented in each? Answer these questions in your notebook.
Both ads provided a powerful message of inclusion in sports, but each ad did so in different ways. The Nike ad focused more on elite or professional athletes by emphasizing race, gender and nationality as a way to promote inclusion (Marketing The Rainbow, 2020). There were a few examples of various physical abilities where a clip lasting a couple seconds showed two athletes who needed a wheelchair, but it didn’t serve as the main focus. Also, the age representation in the Nike ad only really focused on younger and middle-aged athletes. There were a few examples where young kids were involved in the ad, but there wasn’t any inclusion of older adults throughout the entire video. In contrast, the This Girl Can ad showcased women of different body types, ethnicities and physical abilities as a way to promote inclusion in sport for women (This Girl Can, 2020). The ad emphasized real everyday people over elite athletes like the Nike ad. An important component of the ad was the diverse age representation where a conscious effort was made to feature older women alongside younger women as well. The ad showed a wide range of women engaging in traditional activities such as rock climbing, swimming, and working out with friends. Based on the differences between both ads and the variations in age representation, the This Girl Can ad is more inclusive because it is more relatable to the general population and includes a wide variety of ages. Ultimately, it is promoting and encouraging women to embrace exercise in their own way regardless of their age or physical ability. This is creating an active environment free of pressure and judgment.
Marketing The Rainbow. (2020, December 7). Nike – You Can’t Stop Us (2020) [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcXTnyCmQbg&t=11s
This Girl Can. (2020, January 14). This Girl Can – Me Again [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BKwk8q4H0Y&t=30s
Exercise 7: Notebook Prompt
In her article, “Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability,” Elizabeth Pike references a “trend towards a ‘feminisation of ageing’, with many women living longer than men” (573). Do you agree that aging has been “feminized” in this way? How? Answer these questions in your notebook.
| I agree that aging has been feminized because of the notion that women live longer than men, but I think it is a natural phenomenon that has taken place within society due to the higher proportion of older women. Since society views women as more caring and thoughtful, this narrative has transitioned into the perception of older people as well. With the aging demographic consisting of more females, this creates an association of older adulthood with characteristics such as dependency and caregiving, which is based on the current narrative of women as I previously mentioned. While these traits of older adults and women are not inherently gendered, it is unfortunately the way a majority of society perceives these people. This is demonstrated by Pike when she mentions that when older women are facing a decline in health they experience challenges “in part due to societal expectations to maintain their role as carers for grandchildren and their own parents” (Pike, 2015). This connects with my idea about expecting women to take on caregiving roles, which even extends into the later part of older women’s lives. Therefore, whether or not society is actively attempting to feminize aging, I believe it is a natural occurrence that stems from our preconceived conceptions of the roles and characteristics that women display throughout their life. Similarly, I think that is why people often think older males are grumpy and rude because it fits the notion that men are tough and don’t show soft emotions.
Pike, E. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 50(4-5), 570-574. https://doi-org.proxy1.lib.trentu.ca/10.1177/10126902145500
|
Section Three: Module Mini Assignment
The emerging popularity of pickleball in older populations connects well with themes that Pike addresses regarding the intersection of aging, gender, and societal expectations. To start, pickleball is played at a slower pace and on a smaller court than other racket sports like tennis. This means that the sport produces a lower impact on individuals’ bodies since there is less running and high-intensity activity. Since it is lower intensity, pickleball is more accessible to people with varying levels of mobility and physical ability, hence its popularity in older adults. This aligns with Pike’s exploration of how aging populations are often viewed through a lens of declining ability. When writing about sport and older adults, Pike mentioned that “while they may well accept that their performance will likely decline, staying in sports can help people to maintain their sense of physical competence” (Pike, 2015). This demonstrates an acknowledgement that physical ability will get worse as people age, but maintaining activity is still important. This proves why pickleball is so appealing because it allows for physical activity but doesn’t push the boundaries of safety and feasibility for older people. At the same time, the sport is also challenging the narrative that older adults become frail and inactive. Therefore, pickleball plays a part in reframing aging as a period of vitality rather than decline.
Furthermore, pickleball has been considered a “sport trend” because of the social engagement it provides for older populations. As previously mentioned, it is an easier sport to play and doesn’t demand as much movement, which serves as an initial attraction. However, since the pickleball community has really grown over recent years, it has become a vital component of social life for older people. Pickleball can be played as a single or doubles event with many options to participate in tournaments or group leagues that draw in large numbers of people. This allows for many interactions with new and familiar individuals, which is extremely important for older adults because often society perceives them as lonely and isolated. This benefit of pickleball is proven by Pike who said that “there is often a preference to participate in environments that combine physical activity with social experiences” (Pike, 2015). Ultimately, considering the nature of pickleball and the community that is involved in the sport, Pike’s statement and views of aging accurately fit the description of pickleball, showing why it is so popular for older populations.
Pike, E. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On age and ability. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 50(4-5), 570-574. https://doi-org.proxy1.lib.trentu.ca/10.1177/10126902145500
| The issues regarding the Peterborough pickleball debate are centred around the idea of getting rid of a park and replacing it with concrete pickleball courts. As Elaine Anselmi wrote “the park is about seven hectares, the size of a large city block, in central Peterborough, Ont., outlined by a few trees” (Anselmi, 2024). This shows the size of the park and the convenience based on its location. It offers lots of green space with two baseball fields that are regularly used for recreational and organized sports, which will become limited to only pickleball. Another issue is the concern about the noise it will create, when the ball hits the paddle it tends to cause a popping-like noise. This is proven by Brett Throop who writes that there are “raised concerns about noise generated from the pickleball courts disturbing the residents” (Throop, 2024). Given that 16 pickleball courts could all be used at once, the noise concerns seem valid. Finally, the problem when the pickleball courts isn’t just a concern for residents or those who want more green space, it is also an issue for the projects attempting to promote more active transportation. To facilitate the expected increase in people visiting the area to use the courts, the plan proposes the addition of a parking lot. This further incentivizes people to drive which goes against projects that are trying to help the environment and make people more active by reducing vehicle use. A Reddit user summed up this problem perfectly by saying “the 80 parking spots is a complete joke. Way too many for a central location to trails”.
All of these issues are certainly important and valid and don’t appear to include ageism. Since pickleball is popular within the older population there was a concern that pushback against the pickleball courts would involve the discrimination of older adults. However, after looking through numerous news articles and comments written online, I didn’t see any conversations focused on ageism or targeted toward blaming older adults for this development. The issues I read about online focused heavily on environmental, noise and planning-related concerns. Ultimately, from my understanding most of the people aren’t mad because of the people who will get to use the courts, but rather the planning and principle of the idea. Anselmi, E. (2024). Is a park still a park if it’s paved? The Narwhal. https://thenarwhal.ca/opinion-peterborough-pickleball-paves-park/ Throop, B. (2024). Council doubles down on plan to add 16 pickleball courts to Bonnerworth Park after testy debate. Peterborough Currents. https://peterboroughcurrents.ca/news/bonnerworth-redevelopment/ |
