The stereotypical perspective of old age is becoming sedentary becoming weak and senile. The image of an older person locked in a chair unable to escape it.

Sport can help aging people simultaneously accept and resist the aging process by providing an avenue to to challenge their bodies within various sports. The acceptance of a changing body does not mean that the sports they loved are over rather that they must be approached in new ways. This continuation of sport into older ages as such resists the typical process of aging instead giving back the power of a healthy body.

According to Pike those who are more frail, and minority groups such as those with disabilities and some ethnic groups, those living in rural areas, and those institutionalized will be less likely to have extensive opportunities to take part in sports. Sports at all ages are a luxury when they should be essential. The ability to foster healthy lifestyles and create social opportunities is important at all ages for all people. The ability to afford high end retirement communities and membership fees becomes more essential to remain in sport as you age. There is no longer the school system and funding that is geared towards the healthy child. 

I have had the opportunity to work within a variety of retirement homes. There is a vast difference in the wellness opportunities between those who can afford to stay in more elite luxury living than those who are in housing geared to income. The pickle ball courts, pools, square dancing instructors, and so on are only found within one of these. The ability to afford sports is a major inhibiting factor across the life span. 

I think that agism is so common that it is seen as normal in many aspects. This would lead to being the most reported as unfortunately people do not see the issue in it anymore. It is an expected action rather than anything else. I think that there are even actions that are done in the idea of being kind for instance someone you perceive as being older is sitting in a chair and they are asked to get up or notice they are going to move, how many people grab  them under their arm prior to waiting to see if they can first do it on their own? How many people wait to see if they even want or need your help?

Pickle-ball is played by many of all ages. The rules are easy to learn and as such even beginners can have great success. The low impact sport provides an avenue to maintain activity levels and provides an excellent space for social interaction. These benefits while exceptional for all rank even higher for older adults. Pike reviews some of the misconceptions around older adults and activity including how they can be seen as frail and avoiding activities such as sport would be advised (Pike, 2015). These are challenged with the need to keep active and engaged as to avoid decline requiring more and more assistance as we age (Pike, 2015). The game of pickle ball does seem to provide the ability to engage and compete in social setting amongst peers. The fascinating part about it is that there is not many other sorts out there that are truly intergenerational. The ability to be schooled in a sport by someone twice your age that is not also a professional is something to marvel at. The increased prevalence within many local communities shows that they in fact do continue to challenge how sports are organized and work to alter that perception of the elderly in sport(Pike, 2015). 

Reference

Pike, E. C. (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/10.1177/1012690214550009