Old age is often shown in two ways: either as frail and dependent, or as “super seniors” doing extreme activities like climbing. I chose an image of an older adult climbing because it reflects the pressure society places on seniors to stay youthful and active to be valued. While positive on the surface, this image can set unrealistic expectations and ignore the wide range of aging experiences.

The article’s statement that sport allows aging people to “accept and resist the ageing process” means that sport plays a complex role in how older adults experience aging. On one hand, it helps them accept physical changes by encouraging movement, health, and social engagement in ways that acknowledge the realities of aging. It allows them to maintain mobility, manage health issues, and stay connected with others, which are all important aspects of aging well.

On the other hand, sport also allows them to resist aging by challenging stereotypes that older people are weak, inactive, or dependent. By participating in sports—especially competitive or physically demanding ones—older adults show that aging doesn’t mean giving up strength, independence, or vitality. They push back against ageist views that limit what older people are expected or allowed to do.

This balance between acceptance and resistance is empowering. It gives older adults a sense of control over how they age, and it challenges society’s narrow definitions of what aging “should” look like. In short, sport becomes a space where older adults can both come to terms with aging and fight against the limitations often placed on them because of their age.

According to Pike, groups less likely to have extensive opportunities to take part in sports include older adults who are women, people with disabilities, those from lower-income backgrounds, and racialized communities. These individuals often face structural barriers such as limited access to facilities, financial constraints, lack of representation, and cultural or gendered expectations that discourage participation.

Privilege plays a major role in shaping how people experience aging and sport. Those with more resources—such as time, money, health, and social support—are better positioned to stay active and engage in sport as they age.

The two ads present very different representations of age and inclusivity in sport. The first ad (Nike – “Unlimited Serena”) focuses on Serena Williams, highlighting power, intensity, and competitive excellence. While it is inspirational, it centers on a younger, elite athlete and doesn’t represent age diversity. Older women are entirely absent, reinforcing the idea that peak athleticism is tied to youth.

In contrast, the second ad (This Girl Can – Sport England) is much more inclusive. It features women of different ages, body types, and backgrounds engaging in various physical activities. Older women are clearly visible and active, portrayed with confidence and joy, without being reduced to stereotypes. This ad emphasizes participation over perfection, making it feel more realistic and encouraging for viewers across age groups.

The second ad is clearly more inclusive. It challenges narrow ideas of who “belongs” in sport and shows that being active isn’t limited by age. Age is not just represented—it’s embraced. This helps break down the barriers older women often face in sport, such as invisibility, lack of representation, and social pressure to “act their age.” It sends a strong message: sport is for everyone.

Yes, I agree that aging has been “feminized” in some ways, as Elizabeth Pike suggests. Since women statistically live longer than men, they make up a larger portion of the older population, which means that aging is often associated with women in both media and public discourse. However, this can lead to problematic stereotypes—older women are often portrayed as fragile, dependent, or less valuable, while older men may be seen as wise or dignified.

There’s also more social pressure on women to “age well,” maintain beauty, and stay youthful. This feminization of aging can place a heavier burden on women to hide signs of aging, while also making older women more invisible in spaces like sport, media, and leadership. At the same time, older women may face both ageism and sexism, which creates added barriers to participation and recognition. So yes, aging has been feminized, but not in a way that empowers—it often reinforces inequality.

1) The Problem

In Peterborough, Ontario, a significant controversy has arisen over the city’s plan to redevelop Bonnerworth Park by adding 16 lighted pickleball courts. While pickleball has gained immense popularity, especially among older adults, the proposed development has faced opposition from local residents. Concerns include increased noise levels, light pollution, and the reduction of green space due to the removal of existing baseball diamonds and tennis courts. Critics also highlight a perceived lack of public consultation in the decision-making process. Despite these concerns, the city council voted against delaying the project, leading to further community unrest and the formation of groups like “Save Bonnerworth,” which has raised funds for potential legal action against the redevelopment plan.

2) Representation of Older Pickleball Athletes and the Role of Ageism and Neoliberalism

Media and social media portrayals of older pickleball enthusiasts often oscillate between admiration and trivialization. On one hand, older adults are celebrated for their active lifestyles and community engagement through pickleball. On the other, they are sometimes depicted as nuisances, with complaints about noise and disruption in neighborhoods. This dichotomy reflects underlying ageist attitudes, where the activities of older adults are scrutinized more heavily than those of younger populations.​

Elizabeth Pike’s analysis in “Assessing the Sociology of Sport: On Age and Ability” provides insight into this phenomenon. She discusses how aging populations are often expected to remain active and self-sufficient, aligning with neoliberal ideals that emphasize individual responsibility for health and well-being. This perspective can lead to the marginalization of older adults who either cannot or choose not to conform to these expectations. In the context of the Peterborough pickleball debate, older adults advocating for recreational spaces are simultaneously lauded for their initiative and criticized for the perceived inconvenience they cause, highlighting the complex interplay of ageism and neoliberalism in public discourse.