12 Chapter Six: Aging in Sport
Rebecca Redfearn
Section One: The Fundamentals
A) Keywords
Exercise 1:
Provide a brief definition of one of the padlet keywords for this week.
| Forth age
Refers to the last stage of life. In the text this module by Elizabeth Pike she shares that this stage is typically associated in advanced old age found at 80 years or more. This stage is found to have a decline in cognition and will lead to a higher dependance on assistive care. There is also a rise in health issues. |
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 image I have above represents how I believe old age is viewed by many, specifically life within nursing homes. I personally work in a nursing home as a 1-1 care taker and have seen the emotional distress that can inflict some of the residents. It seems very isolating and lonely for many of the residents as some will, as the image depict, not exit their room even for a meal. This seems like a very sad and lonely existence. I acknowledge that this is not the case for many individuals however for those afflicted with mental disorders this is their reality. |
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 suggests that sport in age can assist in leading to acceptance by acknowledging that life causes change that is natural with aging and even though activities may need to become adapted it can still remain a great reminder of independence while accepting their limitations. Additionally, the message of resistance to aging and social expectations was shared. By participating in sports stereotyping of age as well as physical decline is dismantled and affirms the ideas that those in later stages of life are not frail or inactive.
The above images assist in demonstrating my understanding of age resisting and accepting the aging process. The first image of the pool show capable individuals who simply need the assistance of the buoyant pool to feel more comfortable when exercising. It reminds me of an aquafit class I attend where there are many capable individuals who exercise well in the pool even though they may struggle more on land. The second image demonstrates the acceptance of age on sport as the individuals are participating to the best of their abilities in a game. Even though they may not be able to run around they can still participate in whichever game or activity is image shares. |
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)
| The groups who are less likely to have extensive opportunities to partake in sports are older adults, women, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities, according to Pike. She states that these groups often face challenges such as limited availability, social expectations, and financial barriers. It is also stated that privilege is a significant factor in determining access to resources and social support were age and sport are concerned. Those who are financially more stable will have access to memberships, specialized training, or care focused on keeping aging individuals active. Gender is also a factor as men are often found to have higher support in participating in sports competitively. As mentioned race is a know divider as systemic barriers will impact sport participation as well as availability to community programs focused on their individual needs in sports.
Privilege is a factor in aging and sport as it limits access to facilities and programs. A common sport for those older in age is golf, however this has also been referred to as the rich white mans sport which unfortunately reflects the topics shared by Pike. A game that caters to the rich, can be seen in a sexist light, and is recognized to be played by a particular race is the focus of the issue in privilege and discrimination in aging sports. |
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 may be reported by a higher number of individuals due to its prevalence. Unlike sexism or racism, age discrimination is able to be experienced by everyone, it is a universal experience. Historically, older individuals have been seen as a burden which has influenced todays view on older individuals who want to work past the average age of retirement. With stereotypes of older individuals being more resistant to change, dependent, or even a threat to the younger generation coming into the workforce there has been a development of discrimination for those who are older. A great film that represents this idea of older individuals being less useful in the workforce, where they may in fact be exactly what the company needed is The Intern featuring Anne Hathaway. The film focuses on the coming out of retired intern Ben and his transition into the workforce of an online clothing company, he is initially met with dismissal of his skills however with his kindness and sincerity he worms his way into the hearts of those in the office showing that he is able to do more than just get coffee or organize papers. |
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.
| Key Differences
Nike ad
Adidas Ad
More Inclusive? I think that the Nike ad was more inclusive overall. Although it was nice to see older populations represented in the Adidas ad the inclusion of people from all races, genders, and abilities showcased a more diverse view in my opinion. Age Representation I think for both ads that there could have been improvement on the representation of older populations however the Adidas ad did show a little more in terms of age in sport. This could have been improved to suggest that sport is something that can occur over the lifetime and that when you hit a certain age it isn’t the end of sports. |
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 think that due to the fact that women live longer then men it could be seen as more feminine, there are also sayings such as beauty with age which is more feminine due to the phrasing. Some of the factors that contributed to the idea of feminization in aging include a gap in death ages between men and women. This causes the older population to be more feminine when compared and can influence biases. Additionally women are more likely to be a caregiver for others which will generally cause personal caretaking to be put at the back of the line. This reinforces the idea of gendered roles within aging.
This being said there is no reason that older woman cannot remain active and independent. Through the promotion of more diverse representations of women aging it can help society move from these gendered stereotypes. |
Section Three: Module Mini Assignment
| 1) Pickleball is seen as a popular and easy low impact form of exercising for older adults however the article by Pike (2011) suggests that there is a negative connotation hidden underneath. Pike suggests that within a neoliberal lens age has become more and more medicalized and older adults are encouraged to maintain a fit, productive and independent life in order to “age well”. The Washington Post wrote an article called “Pickleball is the Worst?” (Reilly, 2023) the article also comments on the harm that can occur with pickleball and how tough it is on the body. A article by The SilverSneakers wrote on the benefits of pickleball saying that it will reduce risk of heart disease, improve brain function, and reduce depression.
2) the representation of older adults and their participation within media are often depicted as inspirational or as a way to reclaim their youth. Pike changes the perspective by reminding readers that the view of empowerment and inspiration are reflective of a neoliberal view. SilverSneakers reinforced this view as well through their “tools for successful aging” they highlight the need for cardiovascular, social, and cognitive health and benefits. Although these needs are required to maintain a healthy life, the promotion of pickleball within SilverSneakers aims to use a consumers market to maintain wellness that benefits the SilverSneakers company. This touches on the concept of the moralization of aging suggested by Pike where health becomes a social value and measure of ones character instead of a individual need for general wellness. Overall, although pickleball may empower some older adults some current articles and social media propose agist stereotypes and neoliberal ideals instead of encouraging the idea of an overall diverse human experiences throughout the lifetime.
Reilly, R. (2023). Pickleball is the worst. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/08/pickleball-hate-reasons/ SilverSneakers. (2023). Pickleball health benefits: Why it’s great for active older adults. https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/pickleball-health-benefits/ |