Doing the plastic fantastic : ‘artificial’ adventure and older adult climbers

HICKMAN, Mark, STOKES, Peter, BEARD, Colin and INKSTER, Allison (2017). Doing the plastic fantastic : ‘artificial’ adventure and older adult climbers. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 1-11.

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Official URL: http://tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14729679.20...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2017.1308874

Abstract

The aim of this article is to determine the perceptions and experiences of climbing at artificial climbing walls (ACWs) as undertaken by a cohort of ‘young-old’ people (approximately 65–75 years). The engagement of older people in outdoor activities and adventure is an evolving topic; however, as part of this development, little has been written on the use of ACWs. Methodologically, the research employed in-depth semi-structured focus groups and interviews with a purposive convenience sample of six recreational climbers, subsequently expanded to ten through snowball technique. Both sexes were equally represented. Manual thematic analysis identified two key motifs: ACWs and the notion of adventure, and ACWs and the potential for learning. The findings point at what constitutes ‘real’ adventure for this group of older adults; the shifting nature of ‘old age’; the significance of self-awareness; and the role of reflexivity and physical activity in the construction of a ‘successful’ old age. © 2017 Institute for Outdoor Learning

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Pedagogic Research and Innovation
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2017.1308874
Page Range: 1-11
Depositing User: Carmel House
Date Deposited: 12 Apr 2017 13:31
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 11:00
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15514

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