Doing the plastic fantastic: 'artificial' adventure and older adult climbers. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hickman, Mark; Stokes, Peter; Beard, Colin; Inkster, Allison
• Is Part Of: Journal of adventure education and outdoor learning. Volume 19:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Adventure -- artificial -- climbing -- learning -- older adults; Adventure education -- Periodicals; Outdoor education -- Periodicals; 371.38405
• DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2017.1308874
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-9679

Abstract

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.