# Perceived Benefits of Curling in Older Canadian Women

## TL;DR

This study explores how older Canadian women experience curling and how it influences their views on aging.

## Contribution

The study reveals how curling redefines aging for older women through physical, cognitive, and social benefits.

## Key findings

- Participants redefined aging through curling's physical and cognitive demands.
- Curling provided social connection and inclusivity for older women.
- Gender was not seen as a barrier to participation in curling.

## Abstract

An increasing proportion of older Canadians are pursuing sports. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of older Canadian women in curling.

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 participants. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis.

Participants simultaneously resisted, accepted, and ultimately redefined conceptualizations of personal aging in the context of curling. Although gender was deemed inconsequential, concepts such as the physical and cognitive demands of curling, inclusivity, social connection and support, and competition were perceived to be integral to participants’ experiences.

This study extends our understanding of the value of curling specifically, and sport in general, for older women.