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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.
Resistance and EmpowermentDespite systemic obstacles, older women are actively contesting their exclusion from sports by building new networks, advocating for policy reforms, and rethinking what it means to be an athlete at any age. One significant way that they fight marginalization is to provide alternate places for participation, such as senior-focused fitness clubs, masters sports leagues, and recreational teams that prioritize inclusiveness over competition. These efforts enable older women to stay active, socialize, and challenge the stereotype that sports are solely for younger people. Awareness and exposure both contribute to empowerment. Older female athletes, such as those competing in the Senior Olympics or participating in physical activities like marathons and cycling, go against stereotypes and prove that age does not define talent. Social media platforms and advocacy groups enhance these voices, emphasizing the need for more inclusive policies and programs. Furthermore, older women are pressing for change within sports organizations, seeking more financing, better facilities, and greater inclusion in positions of power. By actively participating in policy discussions and research on gender and aging in sports, they contribute to shifting the narrative from exclusion to empowerment. Ultimately, resistance to ageism in sport is not just about participation—it is about changing perceptions and ensuring that women of all ages have the right to experience sport’s physical, mental, and social benefits.
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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.
| The two main approaches that the elderly are portrayed nowadays are as a time of strength and resiliency or as a time of weakness and deterioration. A photograph of an elderly person lifting weights or accomplishing a marathon shows this contradiction. This style of image contradicts the notion that aging entails slowing down or becoming weak. Instead, it emphasizes the fact that elderly people can still be active, skilled, and strong. At the same time, the wrinkles and signs of aging in these photographs serve as a reminder that even individuals who remain active must confront the reality of aging. Many people experience this distinction of strength and vulnerability as they age. To me, this type of image represents a shift in how we view old age today. It’s no longer just about degeneration; it’s about perseverance, determination, and redefining what it means to be older.
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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.
| The article’s claim that sport enables elderly people to “accept and resist the ageing process” (572) relates to the multiple purposes that physical activity can play in their lives. On the one hand, participating in sports helps older persons defy aging by retaining physical strength, mobility, and independence, contradicting the myth that age means certain deterioration. Weightlifting, running, and yoga allow them to challenge societal standards while also demonstrating their ability to remain active and involved. On the other hand, sports can help people accept aging by allowing them to adapt to their changing bodies. People may not perform as well as they did when they were younger, but participating in sports can help them embrace these changes in a positive way. Sport becomes a method to age gracefully rather than fighting the inevitable, thanks to adjusted routines, social connections, and a focus on pleasure rather than competition.
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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)
| According to Pike, structural and societal constraints limit certain groups’ opportunities to participate in sports. People with disabilities, older women, and lower-income individuals frequently encounter major barriers to participation in sports. Older women, for example, are commonly excluded due to gendered preconceptions, a lack of adapted training, and societal attitudes that favour younger male athletes. Socioeconomic status is also important, as sports frequently demand financial resources for equipment, memberships, and transportation, which can be prohibitively expensive for low-income individuals. Furthermore, people with disabilities may face accessibility challenges, limited adaptive sports programs, and societal views that discourage participation. Wealth is important in aging and sport because those with financial stability, social support, and access to well-funded programs are more likely to stay active as they age. Privileged people can afford personal trainers, specialized health care, and sporting facilities that focus on seniors, whereas underprivileged groups may not have these resources. This produces variations in who can “resist” aging through athletics vs who is compelled to accept bodily decline owing to structural injustices. Addressing these obstacles necessitates more inclusive regulations, cost-effective programs, and a shift in society’s attitudes toward aging and athletics.
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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!
| Age discrimination is frequently more common than other types of discrimination since it goes against prevailing social values like independence, productivity, and athletic ability. In many civilizations, young people are regarded as the ideal, whereas aging is associated with deterioration, dependence, and becoming a burden. Older people are sometimes seen as an economic danger due to concerns about pensions, medical costs, and workforce participation, perpetuating preconceptions that they take more from society than they give. Furthermore, cultural narratives frequently prioritize innovation and efficiency, different traits associated with younger generations, while viewing older people as resistant to change. This can lead to their exclusion from workplaces and sports, reinforcing negative perceptions. Media representations also play a role by portraying aging as something to be fought against rather than embraced.
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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.
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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.
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The idea that aging has been “feminized” refers to the fact that women, on average, tend to live longer than men, resulting in a larger population of elderly women. This trend can be seen in the way aging is often represented in media and society, where older women are more visible in caregiving roles or depicted as frail. In contrast, older men are sometimes associated with strength or wisdom. |
Section Three: Module Mini Assignment
| The “Great Peterborough Pickleball Debacle” reveals conflicts over the construction of 16 pickleball courts in Bonnerworth Park, raising discussions about resource allocation, urban planning, and age-inclusive recreation. The City of Peterborough’s $4.4 million proposal attempts to accommodate the growing need for pickleball, which is especially popular among older individuals. However, the idea has received strong opposition, with critics expressing concerns about polluting the environment, the loss of open space, and whether such a major investment matches the community’s overall needs. The disagreement has sparked protracted city council deliberations, showing the huge split between supporters of the project and opponents. The media and social media discussions surrounding the subject frequently portray older pickleball individuals in ways that reflect broader society’s attitudes toward aging. Supporters emphasize the sport’s physical and social benefits, such as keeping elders active, encouraging community engagement, and promoting healthy aging. Articles from Time and Pickleball Union recognize elderly people who enjoy the sport, placing them as role models for effective aging. However, some critics of the Bonnerworth redevelopment portray seniors as a privileged group whose recreational needs are favoured above those of younger citizens. This framing unintentionally promotes ageist stereotypes by insinuating that older people’s interests should come second to those of younger, more “productive” residents. Pike’s research on aging and sports offers an informative context. She highlights how neoliberal ideology encourages older persons to preserve their health and independence through activities such as sports. Pickleball’s popularity accords with this viewpoint, showing active seniors as responsible, involved citizens who take ownership of their own health rather than relying on state healthcare or social assistance services. While this narrative empowers many, it can also be exclusionary, encouraging all seniors to adopt an active lifestyle and even stigmatizing those who are unable or choose not to participate. The controversy surrounding the Peterborough pickleball courts illustrates the complex intersections of aging, privilege, and public policy. While providing recreational opportunities for older adults is essential, the discussions around this issue reveal underlying tensions about whose needs are prioritized in community planning. A more inclusive approach would recognize the value of sport for all age groups while ensuring that public investments reflect a diverse range of interests.
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