Perceptions of ageing among older women softball players

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women who play competitive softball in later life to understand the meanings they attach to participation and the connections between participation and their perceptions of ageing. Data collection involved focus groups with members of six teams who played in leagues designed for women aged 55 and over or 65 and over. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Themes emerged suggesting that participants: (a) experienced softball uniquely based on life stage; (b) placed meaning on continuing to play as a means of staying active; (c) adjusted the game to their physical abilities in later life; and (d) took pride in playing a competitive sport in later life. The findings indicated that participants displayed resistance to age and gender stereotypes about sports participation and a deep sense of pride in overcoming the odds to be able to do so.

KEYWORDS:

• Ageing
• older women
• physically active leisure
• softball
• team sport

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Toni Liechty is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She earned her degree in Leisure Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. Her research interests include the connection between body image and physically active leisure.

Stephanie West is a professor in the Department of Recreation Management & Physical Education at Appalachian State University. Stephanie earned her doctoral degree in Recreation, Parks & Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. Her research interests include leisure-time physical activity and resource allocation.

Jill Naar is a PhD student in the Department of Human Development at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She earned her master’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration from East Carolina University. Her research interests include time use during retirement, work-life balance later in life, and intergenerational programming.

Julie Son is an associate professor in the Department of Movement Sciences at the University of Idaho. She earned her doctorate in Leisure Studies, with a minor in Adult Development and Aging, from the Pennsylvania State University. Her research interests include promoting healthy leisure opportunities across the lifespan, including physical activity, social engagement, and outdoor activity; and decreasing health disparities through parks and recreation, with attention to age, gender, race/ethnicity, and income.