Ryan, Catherine (2023) Ageing Trailblazers: Older Australian Adults Swimming Against the Tide of Ageing. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
As the world population ages, a better understanding of healthy ageing could foster prolonged individual wellbeing, lessening age-related burden on society. Functional ability promotes wellbeing as individuals age, and physical activity helps maintain functional ability. Ocean swimming is a popular activity for older adults, providing a low-impact sporting option. There is a dearth of literature exploring ocean swimming in Australia, especially with older participants. This qualitative study utilised Self-Determination Theory to understand participant motivation for ocean swimming and to better understand the experiences of ocean swimmers aged over 60. It aimed to explore participants’ perception of ageing and identify the risks and benefits associated with ocean swimming. Data were collected through semistructured face-to-face interviews with 10 participants aged between 60 and 79. Three main themes and five subthemes were identified: 1. Social connection (Rules, Community, and Routine); 2. Ageing mindset; and 3. Transcendental relationship with the ocean (Risk and Resilience, and Love of the Ocean). Within the theoretical framework, participants exemplified autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Furthermore, findings demonstrated relatedness was experienced not only through connection to people but through attachment to place. Findings may help promote healthy ageing and guide initiatives to support older adults’ engagement in ocean swimming.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Sonya Winterbotham |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Aug 2025 23:54 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Aug 2025 23:54 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Ageing, active ageing, ocean swimming, self-determination theory, reflexive thematic analysis |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52722 |
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