Qualitative study reveals tensions between personal responsibility and systemic exclusion for older women in sport, highlighting gender norms and wellbeing.
Key Points
Older women face significant barriers to participating in sport, influenced by gender norms and age-related expectations.
Qualitative interviews with 22 women showed that personal responsibility often intersects with structural constraints in sports.
Thematic analysis revealed that societal expectations create a 'double barrier' that limits agency and participation among older women.
Findings suggest the need for sport policies to address systemic inequities affecting older women's health and engagement.