Moving Stories: Understanding the Role of Physical Activity on Experiences and Perceptions of (Self-)Ageing
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Exeter
Department Name: University of Exeter Medical School
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
- University of Exeter (Lead Research Organisation)
- Get Fit 4it (Collaboration)
- Leeds Beckett University (Collaboration)
- LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Thomas Pocklington Trust (Collaboration)
- Theatrescience (Collaboration)
- Birmingham City Council (Collaboration)
- GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Brunel University London (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Cassandra Phoenix (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Phoenix, C.
(2017)
A New Era of Focus Groups
Phoenix C
(2017)
Analysing exceptions within qualitative data: promoting analytical diversity to advance knowledge of ageing and physical activity
in Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health
| Title | Move - The Exhibition |
| Description | Images were produced of older adults doing their activity as part of the Moving Stories project. This exhibition, compiled of approx. 25 images was displayed in a number of public and academic arenas including: The Eden Project Café, St Austell; Truro City Library; Royal Cornwall Hospital; Truro College and at various conferences including the Ageing Bodies and Society Conference at the British Library. |
| Type Of Art | Image |
| Year Produced | 2012 |
| Impact | Requests by third parties to use the images in their own reports / documentation (e.g. evaluation report of AgeUK's Fit as a Fiddle). Members of the public were invited to leave feedback in a comments box. Here, people highlighted the value of seeing 'different' and 'refreshing' images of older adults and also commented on the positive impact of using public spaces to display images. |
| Title | Moving Stories Moving On |
| Description | Working in collaboration with theatre company Theatrescience, Moving Stories - Moving On was a verbatim theatre piece based on the Moving Stories project. The purpose of Moving Stories was to investigate people's experiences of being physically active in older age and also how physically active older adults are perceived by others. Like much of the population, many older adults live inactive lifestyles and this can have negative consequences for their health and wellbeing. By listening to the stories of physically active older adults about 'moving', the research team were able to gain some understanding of how and why - at different points in their lives - they are able to deal with the barriers and challenges to being active that all of us can face. The performance was followed by a discussion with the audience. The production of MSMO was supported by the RCUK Catalyst Fund for public engagement. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Impact | Initial discussions are taking place with AgeUK regarding how MSMO might inform the training of staff who are involved in their Living Well programme. Key findings leaflets were distributed during the show. A request for a further 60 copies was made by AgeUK to distribute at a forthcoming meeting. Written audience feedback from this event included comments such as: It makes me think. Loneliness effects people that participate in these activities. I didn't know / realise that this was so much of an issue with this group. Teaching style was unique and enjoyable. It really showed how useful qualitative surveys are. I run a seated ballet class for clients with Parkinsons and now appreciate how important the social aspect is for them as well as the exercise. |
| URL | http://www.ecehh.org/news/ageing-research-on-stage/ |
| Title | Moving Stories: A Short Film |
| Description | A short film which captures many of the key themes that arose from our analysis of 50 life history interviews with physically active older adults. The film is being used in the next stage of the research to elicit discussion in a series of focus groups with people of different ages. It has been well received by a number of stakeholders that we are interacting with (e.g. Cornwall Sports Partnerships, Health and Wellbeing Board of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT). |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2011 |
| Impact | The impacts realised from this film have been around challenging stereotypes of ageing, encouraging (critical) reflection on one's own ageing process, being inspired to become involved in physical activity, or simply, to keep doing what one is doing. Examples of impact testimonies: I watched your film... it was excellent. Let's get together at the World Congress for Active Ageing, it would be good to met you. (Prof. Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, University of Illinois, College of Applied Health Sciences). I showed your film in one of my undergraduate classes and the room was quiet when it finished. It really touched them. You could tell that it was so powerful and the discussions that followed afterwards about the way we promote physical activity in older age further reinforced that. (Dr Joe Piggin, Loughborough University). The photography and film exhibits were excellent. The film especially put across the inner enjoyment and wellbeing people get from physical exercise. it's all about fun as well as all the by-products" (Research Participant) |
| URL | http://vimeo.com/44922853 |
| Description | Details of our Key Findings have been published as a booklet and circulated widely to specialist and non-specialist audiences. A copy can be accessed using this link: http://www.ecehh.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Moving-Stories-Booklet.pdf Our research identified five key issues that were significant for the older physically active adults involved in our study in relation to their inclination and ability to engage in a physically active lifestyle. These were: The pleasures of physical activity - The research showed that while older adults are generally aware of health benefits associated with regular physical activity, these functional outcomes are not always what sustain this behaviour. Instead, it is the various pleasures gained from participation. The research showed for the first time, how pleasure can be experienced in different ways, places and at different times by older adults, thereby advancing our theoretical understanding of pleasure, and how this relates to the lives of (physically active) older adults. The relevance of relationships - Our research demonstrated how physical activity in older age is embedded within various relationships. Some older adults exercise with their partner. Others take time away from their partner to exercise alone or with friends. For women in particular, time away from significant others to fulfil their exercise needs could often cause feelings of guilt, especially when that relationship was based around care giving. The loss of an exercise partner can impact negatively on people's desire and ability to continue. A life course approach to physical activity engagement - The research illustrated the importance of considering how physical activity in older age fits within the context of a persons 'whole life' and indeed, their life history. This has implications for how we might study, or research this topic in the future and also for how physical activity is promoted in 'real world' settings. Crucially, this research showed how people find themselves on and off an exercise 'bandwagon' throughout their life due to a range of circumstances. The knowledge that it is normal to 'fall off' and possible to climb back on - even if it for the first time - 'worked well' for our participants in terms of initiating and sustaining an overall physically active lifestyle. This was especially pertinent for women, whose activity levels were heavily impacted by child raising and negative experiences of school PE where the identity of 'not being the sporty type' were often heavily ingrained and enduring. The mindset - Perhaps contrary to popular belief that 'some people just find it easy because they like it', physically active older adults do not always find it easy to sustain their exercise habit. This research demonstrated how a positive mindset was used to overcome periods where the inclination to do less felt especially persuasive! Here, knowledge of the health benefits associated with regular participation in physical activity coupled with previous experiences of doing exercise, which left them "feeling better" we important in directing them to healthy behaviours. Crucially however, this latter type of knowledge had to be 'felt' first hand rather than conveyed through the words of a health professional. This research generated important knowledge into broader perceptions of ageing. Many of the participants were aware that as they were growing older, there were expectations about how they should behave. They reported feelings of being "put in a box" once people learned of their age and that because they were considered "old" it was assumed they would not be interested in certain things (e.g. learning new hobbies, the bodily pleasures associated with physical activity). This lends support to the importance of physical activity promoters increasing the visibility of a diverse group of older adults being active in order to challenge limited stereotypes concerning what it means to grow older. This outcome of the research was advanced in a practical manner through the numerous public photography exhibitions which show cased images of our research participants doing their activity. The issues highlighted above help us to understand 'what works' well' for this group of people. Such knowledge is useful when trying to understand how and why some older adults find themselves willing and able to live a physically active older age when others may not. Moreover, it has relevance to the level of success that can be expected of policy initiatives promoting physical activity in older age, alongside positive images of ageing and meaningful intergenerational relationships. Alongside the advances made in how we understand the role of physical activity in shaping perceptions of (self)-ageing, the research also developed new knowledge regarding the use of qualitative methods. Specifically, our critical reflection on the use of photography interviews has made a unique contribution to the literature on visual methods. In addition, the use of focus groups within this project as a means of identifying how stories of physical activity might shift between different generational groups and the role of film in supporting this process has much to offer knowledge around focus group research, which is currently largely devoid of a theoretical basis. |
| Exploitation Route | Educational - Wide circulation of this research (including visual images) to people of all age groups as a means of challenging negative perceptions of older age and assumptions about physical activity in older age. The reach of this message has been extended further via articles published by The Conversation, co-hosting (with Public Health England) a workshop on Active Ageing at 'Bristol's European City of Sport Conference, 2017 (conference theme: 'The role of sport and physical activity in modern society - a tool for transformational change'). Policy - Informing recommendations by Haringey Councils part of the Physical Activity & Older People's Scrutiny Report: http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=128&MId=7753&Ver=4 (see agenda item 11). |
| Sectors | Education,Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
| URL | https://vimeo.com/42829169 |
| Description | Moving Stories has led to a wide array of impacts with different audiences and non-academic collaborators. This has arisen, primarily at a 'grass roots' level (in keeping with the design and objectives of the project) through a number of different routes. The impact achieved to date via this project cohere around three broad areas: 1. Strategic Development. The involvement of non-academic partners in our project both in the form of advisory board members (e.g. Mike Thomas, Director of Cornwall Sport Partnerships, and Jan Howell, 'Fit as Fiddle' co-ordinator, AgeUK), and as attendees at our public engagement events (e.g. Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health at Cornwall County Council & Cornwall & Isles of Scilly PCT; Carolyn Rule, Cabinet member for health & wellbeing, Cornwall Council) enabled our research to feed into strategic discussions regarding the health and wellbeing of older adults, including provision of physical activity. This is evidenced by the following correspondence from key stakeholders: 'We are working with a group about signposting older people to appropriate levels of exercise and I think the perceptions work would be of great interest. I would be very happy to give it an airing at the next meeting if you think appropriate and I'm sure the team here at Cornwall Sports Partnership would find it of interest'; (email, 28/5/12, Mike Thomas, Director of Cornwall Sport Partnerships). 'I do feel it would be very useful to use the work in what we are doing under the Health and Wellbeing banner for Cornwall, trying to get everyone to be more active. I'm sure the film will be quite inspirational so would be grateful if we could make use of it ahead of launching our work plan'; (email, 7/9/12. Carolyn Rule, Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, Cornwall Council). 'Bruce Lockie (Physical Activity Lead Officer) and I are working on behalf of the Physical Activity Working Group, which is accountable to the Health and Wellbeing Board, to produce a Physical Activity Strategy for Cornwall. The strategy will be drafted towards the end of January, finalised and presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board later this year (probably in May/June). I am carrying out an assessment of existing activity and identifying potential future action/scenarios. I would like to meet with you to discuss your work and role and to find out what you think should happen to increase levels of physical activity in Cornwall.' (email, 10/1/13, Jonathan Woods, Consultant for Cornwall Sports Partnership). Our findings also informed the design of a community based initiative aimed at increasing levels of physical activity among older people in Cornwall, for which Cornwall Sports Partnership submitted an application to Sport England's 'Get Healthy, Get Active' fund. 2. Inspiring Individuals The research achieved societal impact in the form of inspiring individuals with regards to physical activity in older age (planning to be, being, continuing to be). Collecting data on physical activity levels before and after people were 'exposed' to the research was beyond the scope of the objectives set out for this particular project. That said, personal testimonies supporting the impact that the research has had on people's beliefs and in some instances behaviours were offered in various environments throughout the course of the research. These testimonies give credence to the value of stories in providing people with resources with which to make sense of their own ageing process and the lives of older people around them. For example: I found the video of others involvement very inspiring ... and I have been persuaded to start a T'ai Chi group for the U3A group, which I have been doing for the last month and it is going very well. (email, participant [T'ai Chi], 14/7/12). 'I thought you might like to know that our focus group discussions with you were having a lasting effect. When you interviewed our Book Club last year you raised our awareness of the importance of exercise. All of us now often discuss diet and exercise with each other. Although we probably see each other at least once a week as part of the village community, our Book Club meets once a month. One of our members whom you did not meet has moved out of the village to [name of town] and when it is her turn to host the Book Club meeting, [names] and I now drive over to [name of town] a few hours early and incorporate a walk and lunch together before the meeting. Last Wednesday we walked for two hours on [name of town] beach and the footpaths around the beach for almost two hours before going for a healthy lunch and then on to Book Club. [Names] also walk together for quite long distances more often. They are both on their own and have recently decided to meet every Wednesday to walk, weather permitting or do an indoor activity if the weather is bad. [Name] has set herself the challenge of walking the whole South-West Coastal Path in the Spring. She has done sections of it before but is now going to attempt to do the whole distance in April/May, taking about eight weeks! [Name] and I have said that we will join her for the odd day or half day to keep her company. At the other end of the spectrum, My husband and I have recently moved house within the village and one of my priorities has been to create a dedicated exercise room so that there are no barriers to give me an excuse not to do anything. Yesterday I managed to clear the majority of packing boxes out of the conservatory (the dedicated room) and used my exercise video this morning for the first time in months. I also have my exercise bike in there with plenty of space around it and intend to use it while the weather is bad so that I shall be fit enough to do real cycling when the weather improves. Thank you for including us in the project. It has been a really worthwhile experience and has had lasting impact on our lifestyles.' (feedback following participation in focus group. email, participant, 18/1/13) The experience of the interview was strange in that talking about yourself for so long is unusual and yet it opened up questions that had not really struck me before. it was a 'legitimate' opportunity to reflect upon the 'now' and has left me feeling that I understand being 60+ a little better. (participant, written feedback received after participant workshop, May 2013). Responses within focus groups (data collection) to watching the film: 'I think the film pointed out to me that there is, actually, a lot going on for elderly people to do sport and physical activity, which I wasn't really aware of' (midlife male) It definitely influenced me to make sure I stay more steady in exercise so it becomes second nature and then the gaps don't happen. Because then, obviously, otherwise the gaps would happen when I'm older. If it becomes part of your day to day, you know, it will pave the way for healthy ageing. (midlife female). '(Seeing the film) just made me feel more positive about growing older, really. It showed it in a more positive light' (young female) 3. New images of the ageing body Given the significant use of visual methods within this research (i.e. film and photography), a key output was to produce a wealth of visual data which could counter traditionally dominant stereotypes of decline, deterioration, isolation, disengagement, and so forth. That noted, such counter images also needed to represent (active) ageing realistically and in a variety of ways. Images of those who appear to defy the ageing process through heroic accomplishments (e.g. marathon running, bodybuilding) can in some instanced be equally unhelpful in preventing the marginalisation of ageing bodies. Our success in this venture - both in terms of production and appropriate circulation of counter images - is evidenced by their inclusion in a range of publications. Specifically, images produced from the research were used in the evaluation of AgeUK's 'Fit as a Fiddle' programme in the South West, the 2012 Director of Public Health Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Annual Report, and published book 'Physical Activity & Sport in Later Life: Critical Perspectives' (Palgrave). The findings from this research were instrumental in shaping the successful application to the ESRC Seminar Series (ES/M001709/1) which has further solidified the establishment of an engaged network of researchers, stakeholders and users within the field of ageing and physical activity. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Education,Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Catalyst Public Engagement Funding |
| Amount | £4,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Catalyst Fund for Public Engagement |
| Organisation | Research Councils UK (RCUK) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2014 |
| End | 01/2015 |
| Description | Physical activity among older people with sight loss : a qualitative research study to inform policy and practice |
| Amount | £45,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Thomas Pocklington Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2012 |
| End | 11/2013 |
| Description | Research for Patient Benefit (co-applicant) |
| Amount | £250,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | PB-PG-0214-33020 |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health Research |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2014 |
| End | 07/2015 |
| Description | The Leverhulme Trust - Artist in Residence |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | AIR_2012_22 |
| Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2012 |
| End | 10/2012 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | Birmingham City Council |
| Department | Public Health Birmingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | Brunel University London |
| Department | Brunel Institute for Ageing Studies |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | Get Fit 4it |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | Leeds Beckett University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | Loughborough University |
| Department | British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | Loughborough University |
| Department | School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Ageing and Physical Activity Network |
| Organisation | University of Birmingham |
| Department | School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I led collaborations with the above partners to establish a Ageing and Physical Activity Network. The purpose of this network was to build upon findings from the current project (and other recent literature), which calls for a more critical approach to be taken when researching later life physical activity. As primary investigator, I was successful in securing funding (£30k) for 8 seminars around this topic from the ESRC Seminar Series Scheme. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributions were made in the from of disciplinary expertise, previous experience in applying for research funding (Brunel, Birmingham) and the sharing of contacts / established partnerships. |
| Impact | (1/10/14 - 1/6/17). ESRC Seminar Series. (£30k) More of the Same is not Enough: New Directions in Ageing and Physical Activity. (with Wheeler, Victor, Thompson, Tulle, Piggin, Gough, Orr). |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Co-Editing a Book |
| Organisation | Glasgow Caledonian University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Development of a book proposal for an edited collection of chapters focusing on critical approaches to ageing and physical activity. This venture was a direct result of the end of award 2-day event held in July, 2012. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner has contributed to the development of the proposal, the identification of authors, project management. |
| Impact | Tulle, E. & Phoenix, C. (Eds.) (2015). Sport and Physical Activity across the Life Course: Critical Perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Theatrescience |
| Organisation | Theatrescience |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Expertise on the topic of physical activity in later life. A collection of transcripts of life history interviews with 51 physically active older adults, which were used to develop a piece of verbatim theatre. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in translating 'science' into theatre. Development of script, production and direction of Moving Stories Moving On. This public engagement event received funding from the RCUK Catalyst Fund. |
| Impact | A theatrical production (one night) followed by audience discussion "Moving Stories Moving On" http://www.ecehh.org/events/moving-stories-theatre/ This was a multidisciplinary production between social science research and the arts. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Thomas Pocklington Trust |
| Organisation | Thomas Pocklington Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | I (along with colleagues Griffin, Smith and Howe) responded to a commissioned call to conduct research into the experiences of physical activity amongst older adults with late onset sight loss. My expertise in and international reputation for both research on ageing and physical activity, and qualitative research methods ensured that this work was undertaken rigorously and in ways that could inform practice and policy. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funded further research into experiences of physical activity amongst older adults with late onset sight loss. |
| Impact | Phoenix, C. Griffin, M. & Smith, B. (in press). Physical activity among older adults with sight loss: A qualitative research study to inform policy and practice. Public Health. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Article for The Conversation (Improving with age - our perception of growing old needs some get up and go) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Invited contribution to The Conversation . This has currently read by over 8000 people around the world. The Story has been picked up by The Independent and The Western Australia News. A link to the article was Tweeted 110 times, shared on Facebook 315 times and shared 18 times on Linkedin. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://theconversation.com/improving-with-age-our-perception-of-growing-old-needs-some-get-up-and-g... |
| Description | Grand Rounds (University of Miami) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Talk sparked questions and discussion afterwards, particularly in relation to the use of qualitative methods to understand ageing and physical activity. After my talk, I had a more in depth discussions with PhD students and advised them on appropriate methodologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Images of Research Competition (Highly Commended) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Approx. 100 people attended an Exhibition at the Edge Arts Centre, University of Bath as part of the Images of Research Competition at the University of Bath. My image was highly commended and displayed on the University website thereafter. As a consequence of this event, I was approached by the Conversation to submit an article on perceptions of ageing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.flickr.com/photos/uniofbath/26718056902/in/album-72157667954297595/ |
| Description | Invited Keynote presentations (BASES Sport Psychology Division Day) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 50-100 researchers and sport/exercise practitioners attended this presentation. The audience reported their views had been challenged because it is rare that they consider ageing, nor social dimensions of ageing and physical activity (instead focusing primarily on sports performance and younger age groups). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.bases.org.uk/News/successful-bases-psychology-division-day-with-great-workshops-and-speak... |
| Description | Invited speaker: Bath University Physical Cultural Studies Group seminar series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | A 40 minute presentation followed by 20 minutes of discussion to the Bath PCS group, during which I outlined the Moving Stories project, shared the short film produced as part of this project and discussed the politics of pleasure in relation to physical activity in older age. After my talk, members of the audience contacted me to ask if they could use the short film produced as part of this research in their teaching activities. In addition, a member of the audience and I are currently exploring collaborative possibilities in the form of a joint publication. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Launch of Ageing & Physical Activity Blog site |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | A blog site was developed to communicate important outcomes from the Seminars to a broad and largely non-academic audience. The blog was visited by a member of Haringey Council's Adult's and Health Scrutiny Panel, who subsequently invited C. Phoenix to contribute to evidence gathering sessions re community level physical activity interventions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://ageingpa.tumblr.com |
| Description | Launch of photographic exhibition - Move. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A photographic exhibition using images produced as part of the Moving Stories project. A launch night was held for this exhibition at a community caf? and included guests from the local council, primary care trust, health and fitness organisations (public and private), Director of AgeUK etc. The launch sparked discussion about how the images could be used to challenge negative perceptions of ageing and inspire older adults to engage in physical activity. The MOVE exhibition was made as a 'commitment' to the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity Between Generations and featured on their website: http://europa.eu/ey2012/ey2012main.jsp?catId=975?Id=en&mode=initDetail?itiativeId=431?itLangId=en After the launch, contact was made by numerous attendees to request further information about the project and suggest venues for the exhibition in the future. Requests have also been made by third parties to use the images in their own reports (e.g. evaluation of AgeUK's fit as a fiddle programme). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Leisure Studies Association newsletter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to write an article for the LSA newsletter for a special themed issue around Narrative and the Body in Sport and Leisure (see pg. 28). For this, I referred to the Moving Stories project to demonstrate how narrative can be used to gain insight into the lives of physically active older adults. Recognition from peers who now associate me with leading research in narrative approaches to ageing and physical activity. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Peninsula Public Health Network: 'So you think you know ageing?' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Health professionals |
| Results and Impact | Invited to present at this event ("Ageing, exercise and the narrative of decline : insights from the lives of active older adults"). Talk sparked questions and discussion afterwards regarding practice. After my talk, I was contacted by 3 members of the audience for further information about the audience. One of these worked at Westbank Community centre, Devon and I was subsequently invited to speak as part of their healthy Lifestyles programme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | University of Toronto - Guest Speaker |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 30 minute discussion with the audience following this presentation regarding the results of the research and how they might be applied to ongoing work within the department. After my talk, I was contacted by members of the audience who asked for further information about the study. It is likely that I will also act as an external examiner for one of the PhD students who attended. In this sense, impact was achieved by enhancing my academic profile internationally. This is central to the First Awards Scheme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Westbank Community Centre, Devon |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation at Westbank Community Centre, Devon as part of their 'Healthy Lifestyles' programme ("Health and wellbeing throughout the ageing process : lessons from physically active older adults"). Audience included programme members and health professionals delivering the programme. Talk sparked questions and discussion afterwards. Following this event, people who used the community centre volunteered to participate in the research. I have received informal reports that members of the audience have since taken up new exercise behaviours (e.g. started riding a bike, joined a local tennis club for beginner lessons). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Workshop at Valencia University (Visual Methods in relation to Moving Stories project) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Visual methods workshop for postgraduate students (predominantly PhD) within the physical cultural studies research group at the University of Valencia, Spain. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |