Title: “Aging, Older Adults, and Later Life: An Exploration of Kinesiology Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions and Experiences”
Supervisor: Dr. Laura Hurd
Committee members: Dr. Ben Mortenson (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy), Dr. Carolyn McEwen
Abstract: In this research, I propose to explore kinesiology students’ perceptions and experiences of aging, older adults, and later life. The global population is aging, and kinesiology students will become future professionals who may work with older adults in various capacities, including as healthcare professionals and exercise specialists. Current research suggests that age prejudice exists and is multi-faceted, and that university students have multiple, often contradictory attitudes about aging, older adults, and later life. Although ageism is well-documented, relatively few studies have focused on kinesiology students. This gap in the research is consequential because kinesiology students may frame aging and later life negatively and misappraise the capabilities and potentiality of older adults. Furthermore, students may treat active older people more positively than inactive ones because those who are active may be considered good examples of healthy aging. Thus, age-related biases and associated intersectional prejudices, such as ableism and healthism, may surface or become exacerbated. Through this proposed research, I seek to learn about kinesiology undergraduate students’ experiences, perceptions, and attitudes regarding aging, older adults, and later life and the related socio-cultural constructed norms. Using qualitative interviews, this proposed study will contribute to a growing body of literature that addresses the broader socio-cultural dimensions underlying age-related stereotypes and power relations based on age. In addition, this study will direct the efforts to dispel ageist perceptions and attitudes in the field of kinesiology and to generate new strength-based possibilities for action by engaging students in appreciative inquiry. The following research question will guide my study: What are undergraduate kinesiology students’ perceptions and experiences of aging, older adults, and later life?