Leisure and Identity Management in Later Life: Understanding Competitive Sport Participation Among Older Adults

Abstract

The aging of the population and recognition that sport and leisure are central components of satisfaction in later life has implications for research into the experience of physically active leisure pursuits. It has been argued that participation in meaningful leisure pursuits can contribute to development and identity construction in later life, however, empirical evidence is lacking. Furthermore, quantitative studies have dominated research on physical activity and sport in later life. In an attempt to expand academic knowledge, the aim of this paper is to present qualitative data that explores the role competitive sport participation plays in identity management for a group of older adults. Data collected though participant observation and semi-structured interviews with competitors (aged 55 to 94 years) of the 8th Australian Masters Games were analyzed using qualitative research strategies, including constant comparative and content analyses. By combining traditional and postmodern identity theories for interpretation, the data reveal that participation in competitive sport presents an important strategy for older adults in adapting to later life, and provides a context for them to express youthfulness and negotiate meanings of older age. The findings contribute to understanding the relevance of mask motifs for interpreting identity management in later life, as well as make a call for further research into competitive sport participation as a context for empowering older adults.