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Section One: The Fundamentals
A) Keywords
Exercise 1:
Provide a brief definition of one of the padlet keywords for this week.
| The third age:
As defined by Elizabeth Pike…
I can see my grandparents living in the third age right now. They are retired and enjoy playing golf with friends weekly.
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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.
| Elizabeth Pike explains that historically, old age was mostly viewed as ugly and tragic which has seeped into modern representations of old age. I believe there is a stigma surrounding old age that has stemmed from the negative representations of old age in history. This image I found represents the depiction of old age as being something people dread. In my own experience I feel people want to avoid becoming old for as long as they can. People see old age as something undesirable. This image captures this solemn experience through the emotion portrayed on this woman’s face. She looks sad, and it can be interpreted that this sadness is due to her aging. While I do not think this is how society SHOULD view aging, I believe this is an accurate depiction of representations today. I hope one day old age is viewed as a luxury and maybe even a privilege. Life is a gift and aging should be viewed as an opportunity to continue living.
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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.
| In my opinion, what this means is that sport can be used for people to redefine what aging means to them. For example, those who want to accept the aging process may use leisure sport as a way to spend time in retirement. They are accepting aging by removing themself from work life and spending more time doing activities they enjoy. In addition, sport can be used to accept the aging process by allowing individuals to understand what their bodies are capable of doing, what feels good and what does not. Now, simultaneously participating in sport is resisting the stereotypes associated with aging by showcasing that old age is not a sign of weakness. Aging does not mean that the body is not capable of moving and staying active. By participating in sport in old age showcases that sport and aging can go hand in hand.
In one photo we see two people going for a bike ride. This resists the process of aging by disproving stereotypes that take away from the ability of old people and their independence. In comparison, the other photo showcases people in a retirement home taking part in a yoga class. This accepts the process of aging by demonstrating that not everyone’s body remains capable of the same activities it was years prior. Sports can be whatever you need it to be, whether that is more intense or more sedentary.
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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)
| Pike explains that those with disabilities, very frail, minority ethnic groups, those confined to care facilities and those in rural areas have less opportunities to take part in sport.
Privilege plays an extensive role in aging and sport. To start, those who hold higher socioeconomic status will have greater access to resources such as healthcare, recreational spaces and athletic trainers. Healthcare plays a huge role in aging among the population. Those who have access to suitable doctors will likely receive more treatment which ultimately will improve their aging process as they avoid sickness. In contrast, those who cannot afford taking trips to the doctor may avoid going which can lead to lack of treatment for illness or injury. This is significant because health can majorly impact participation in sport. Physically and mentally healthy individuals are more likely to participate in sport since they do not have as many concerns for their health and well-being. Privilege also plays a role in who feels welcome to participate in sports as they age. Aging women, who typically face more stereotypes surrounding sport may feel more deterred from participation compared to aging men. Similarly, white aging men will likely face less discrimination than ethnic minorities when attempting to participate in sports. This is due to the systemic racism that is embedded in the sports community that has yet to be resolved. Overall, privilege plays a huge role in aging and sport through providing certain people with more opportunities and less stigma.
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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!
| This is super interesting to me as I am surprised age discrimination is reported more than any form of prejudice. I believe a large part of this has to do with the younger population disagreeing with the views and opinions of older people and not having as much respect for them. Since society is changing so rapidly, it is hard for older people to keep up with all the new trends, issues and values of this society. I think young people find this hard to accept and this transfers into the way older people are treated. Even while I was growing up, I was always told to respect the elders and treat them all with kindness. I think this is slowly shifting as people my age begin to develop strong opinions on topics that older people do not educate themselves about. Young people may view this lack of education as a threat to society and therefore treat older people with less respect and kindness, ultimately discriminating against them.
In addition, stereotypes label older people as being weak which may suggest people find them to be an easier target for discrimination, especially in sport. Discrimination in sport may look like exclusion, lack of representation and limited access to resources. For example, at a public gym dominated by young people, older people may not feel welcome due to the lack of representation of people from their age demographic within the gym. In addition, employees may belittle older people in the gym by stereotyping them as weak or fragile. Overall, age discrimination is evident in society today due to the many stereotypes surrounding aging. I believe it is important to understand that everyone is going to have different values and interests but we must still treat everyone equally.
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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.
| After watching both ads, I believe Nike’s- You Can’t Stop Us ad is more inclusive. Throughout this ad we see diversity of athletes whether it be race, ability, age and gender. I felt empowered watching this video as many different types of people were represented. In addition, the way this video was edited made it feel like everyone was connected, despite any differences. The narration throughout was positive and motivational. Overall, I felt this ad was very strong. Now, the This Girl Can ad was definitely more representative of women and age. However, I feel this ad portrayed far more stereotypes than the Nike ad. For example, the inclusion of the women with her child reinforces the traditional stereotypes that women should be mothers. So, while it was more inclusive of age, I think overall the Nike ad does a better job of promoting inclusivity while avoiding stereotypes.
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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 in a variety of ways. To start, I feel like there is an expectation for aging women to remain in a caregiver role as they get older. Whether this be caring for their grandchildren or even for their spouse, I think there is a certain level of assumption from society that women should continue to care for others in old age. I see this in my own life, both my grandparents have poor physical health, however conversations with my Nana reveal she still feels in charge of my Papa’s health. This places an unrealistic expectation on aging as a woman because not all women: A. want to be a caregiver in old age or B. are physically healthy to do so.
In addition, the media tends to depict old age in women to be the deterioration of women’s beauty. One common societal expectation is for women to be “beautiful”. This is extremely damaging as girls begin to learn society’s expectations of what beautiful means. They place a large emphasis on their physical appearance and learn that this is the only way to gain attention in society. Now, this relates to the feminisation of aging because as women age, it is framed as a loss for them. They get bombarded with ads for anti-aging products and surgeries to make them look younger. Overall, the feminisation of aging definitely exists. It is harmful for women who are aging as different expectations are placed upon them. In addition, it creates an unrealistic idea of what aging entails which can be harmful for women who may not adhere to these expectations. |
Section Three: Module Mini Assignment
| Extra Credit Assignment:
This sport is commonly depicted as a sport for older people due to its incredible accessibility. The court is smaller than a tennis court and is played with two players, decreasing the demands on the body. In addition, the equipment is easily transported and lightweight, making it a sport that really anyone can play. Pickleball can be played co-ed, making it popular for couples. Specifically, older couples, as depicted in the media. Now, while being accessible, pickleball is still a competitive sport. This makes it appealing to older segments of the population who want to stay physically healthy while remaining competitive. The news article explains how pickleball courts may take away from the green space already existing in these parks. The community has complained about their lack of involvement in this plan to build new pickleball courts in a park that is already thriving. The way I understand it, the town of Peterborough has recognized the increasing popularity of pickleball and is trying to accommodate those who play it. However, the town has received some backlash for a few reasons. First, the destruction of perfectly healthy green space has upset the community. In addition, the noise pollution caused by the pickleball bounce on the court creates annoyance for nearby residents. Finally, people are concerned about the youth who use the park for playing baseball. A similar issue arose recently in Vancouver when a plan to shut down a skate-park to build pickleball courts was on its way. The article states “many believe its removal would be a significant loss for West Vancouver’s youth and for athletes training in Olympic disciplines like skateboarding and BMX” (Pelletier, 2025). This example showcases society’s preference for youth sports, indicating signs of ageism. In addition, the rise of pickleball has resulted in competing for court space with tennis players. One news article titled Complains from Windsor’s Tennis Community as More Courts are Converted for Pickleball explains this frustration. Based on the two articles I read, ageism is 100% a factor in this representation. People do not think a sport represented by older people should be so dominant in their communities.
Pelletier, S. (2025, March 17). Two BC riding facilities shutting down for Pickleball. Pinkbike. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/two-bc-riding-facilities-shutting-down-for-pickleball.html CBC News. (2024, August 12). Complaints from Windsor’s tennis community as more courts are converted for pickleball. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/tennis- pickleball-court-conversion-1.7292305
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