Abstract
Deeply embedded within Western society, the prevailing master narrative associated with growing older is the narrative of decline (Gullette, 1997). This narrative depicts ageing as natural and an inevitable downward trajectory of physical deterioration, as ‘a tragedy of accumulating deficits, diminishing reserves, and deteriorating attractiveness and strength’ (Randall and McKim, 2008: 4). It is oppressive – downplaying the deeper dimension of ageing and presenting ageing as passively getting rather than actively growing old. This has consequences for the meanings and motivations attributed to physical activity in the sense that ageing can be seen as a problem, to which regular physical activity offers a solution.
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© 2015 Cassandra Phoenix and Noreen Orr
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Phoenix, C., Orr, N. (2015). The Multidimensionality of Pleasure in Later Life Physical Activity. In: Tulle, E., Phoenix, C. (eds) Physical Activity and Sport in Later Life. Global Culture and Sport Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-42932-2_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-42932-2_10
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