Christina Reynolds, PhD Christina Reynolds received her Ph.D. in astrophysics from University College London and a Master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University. She has been a Data Scientist with ORCATECH with a focus on developing algorithms for the analysis of ORCATECH's large and diverse data set.  Much of her research career has involved developing software algorithms used to fabricate and test the optics for the European Extremely Large Telescope and the IRIS space telescope. At ORCATECH, she focused on designing a wide variety of algorithms for deriving information about life and health patterns from ORCATECH’s sensor data, including characterizing activity and sleep behaviors. _____________________ This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

Christina Reynolds, PhD Christina Reynolds received her Ph.D. in astrophysics from University College London and a Master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University. She has been a Data Scientist with ORCATECH with a focus on developing algorithms for the analysis of ORCATECH's large and diverse data set.  Much of her research career has involved developing software algorithms used to fabricate and test the optics for the European Extremely Large Telescope and the IRIS space telescope. At ORCATECH, she focused on designing a wide variety of algorithms for deriving information about life and health patterns from ORCATECH’s sensor data, including characterizing activity and sleep behaviors. _____________________ This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher    

Christina Reynolds, PhD Christina Reynolds received her Ph.D. in astrophysics from University College London and a Master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University. She has been a Data Scientist with ORCATECH with a focus on developing algorithms for the analysis of ORCATECH's large and diverse data set.  Much of her research career has involved developing software algorithms used to fabricate and test the optics for the European Extremely Large Telescope and the IRIS space telescope. At ORCATECH, she focused on designing a wide variety of algorithms for deriving information about life and health patterns from ORCATECH’s sensor data, including characterizing activity and sleep behaviors. _____________________ This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Solutions: https://sleepmeasurements.fibion.com/ --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover groundbreaking Fibion SENS: https://sens.fibion.com/ --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research : fibion.com/research --- Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher

This is the second part of our conversation with Dr Yunus Tuncel on philosophical approaches to emotions in sport. We explore how Kierkegaard's and Heidegger's account of anxiety can be applied to think of risk sports, discuss violence and aggression, and finish up on how to care for emotions in sport from a more practical perspective. Our conversation draws heavily on Yunus's book Emotion in Sports: Philosophical Perspectives. Dr Yunus Tuncel teaches Philosophy at The New School, New York, and in New York University’s Liberal Studies Programme. He is a co-founder of the Nietzsche Circle and a member of the Editorial Board of its journal The Agonist. Yunus is also the founder of Philomobile, which is a travel organisation offering trips to those interested in studying philosophy on the road (http://www.philomobile.com/). --- Found the episode interesting? Our previous conversation with Yunus can be found here: Part 1, Part 2. Related conversation on risk sports and authentic existence with Prof. Gunnar Breivik is here.

Can small daily changes really improve health outcomes for people with disabilities? Dr. James Haley believes they can—and he explains how.From setting water bottle goals to using wearable tech, this episode dives into practical strategies backed by science and lived experience. In the final part of this enlightening series, Dr. James Haley joins Dr. Olli Tikkanen to discuss accessible, research-based methods for increasing physical activity in people with disabilities. Dr. Haley emphasizes the importance of small, consistent habits and how mobile health technologies—including wearables and behavior change apps—can help form sustainable routines. He shares simple strategies like smart reminders, social accountability, and goal-setting that anyone can integrate into their daily life. The episode also covers the role of wearable technologies in monitoring movement, heart rate, and sleep, along with their limitations in cost and accessibility. Dr. Haley explores how biomechanical feedback from devices might inform both research and personal activity habits. In addition, he offers a global perspective on funding challenges, collaboration needs, and the value of AI in democratizing support and feedback for people with disabilities. The episode ends with an optimistic message: meaningful change doesn't require perfection—it just requires a step forward, however small. _______________________________ This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

In this episode, we explore emotions in sport from a philosophical perspective. How are philosophical perspectives different from the more established psychological perspectives? How can ideas found in Aristotle, Nietzsche, Hume and Spinoza help us establish a framework to explore emotions in sport? Why are certain emotions and their balance essential for sustaining our sporting culture as we know it today, or could we find a better emotional balance in our individual and collective sporting lives? Our conversation draws heavily on Yunus's book Emotion in Sports: Philosophical Perspectives. Dr Yunus Tuncel teaches Philosophy at The New School, New York, and in New York University’s Liberal Studies Programme. He is a co-founder of the Nietzsche Circle and a member of the Editorial Board of its journal The Agonist. Yunus is also the founder of Philomobile, which is a travel organisation offering trips to those interested in studying philosophy on the road (http://www.philomobile.com/). The conversation continues in Part 2 with a focus on more specific emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger and joy in sport. --- Found the episode interesting? Our previous conversation with Yunus can be found here: Part 1, Part 2. Related conversation on risk sports and authentic existence with Prof. Gunnar Breivik is here.  

What stops people with disabilities from being physically active? In this episode, we discuss real barriers—and real solutions—from lived experiences and research.From neuropathic pain to equipment costs, Dr. James Haley shares what truly matters when designing inclusive activity interventions. In this continuation of the conversation between Dr. James Haley and host Dr. Olli Tikkanen, the focus shifts to the day-to-day challenges that prevent people with disabilities—especially spinal cord injuries—from engaging in physical activity. Dr. Haley outlines individual, environmental, and social barriers, such as fatigue, lack of adapted equipment, inaccessible facilities, and social stigma. Importantly, he also shares insights into what motivates and supports physical activity, including community, co-designed interventions, and creative at-home options. The episode explores how sports like wheelchair basketball foster belonging and motivation, while also addressing global disparities in access to inclusive programs. Dr. Haley also touches on his vision for scaling his work beyond the UK to low- and middle-income countries. Finally, the discussion includes practical examples and participant experiences from his research, as well as reflections on co-design principles and the potential future role of AI in enhancing adaptive health technologies. _____________   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

Announcement Related to the Rest of the 2022 - Irregular Publishing Schedule Dear listeners, So it happened that both of the podcast hosts became parents on the very same day! Recordings have been swapped to diaper changing and lullaby singing. This means that the Meaningful Sport Series will be paused until about the end of the year. Regular episodes and Practitioner`s Viewpoint Series will be running but with less episodes. Some of the popular episodes will be republished from earlier days of the podcast. Thanks for your understanding and we hope that the over 400 episodes so far will provide something to listen to meanwhile. We are enthusiastic about the podcast and grateful for all the positive feedback and support, it really makes our day. While we scale back we would still appreciate all your feedback and suggestions on who and what you would like to hear in the podcast as it will be returning to full swing next year. Have a great autumn all, Noora and Olli --- Dr Bruno da Costa has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (2009-2013). While as an undergraduate, he worked as a tutor for exercise physiology, taught swimming lessons, and participated in several research and study groups, with a longer period at the Laboratory of Behavioral Nutrition/UFSC. He was also trained as a Master in Physical Education at the same University (2015-2017), under the supervision of professor Kelly Silva, where his work focused on the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle among adolescents. He currently has a PhD (2017-2020), with a focus on understanding changes and determinants of sleep, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity of adolescents which was supervised by Dr. Kelly Silva and Dr. Jean-Philippe. --- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/

People with disabilities face more barriers to physical activity—but technology is offering new hope. In this episode, we explore one of the world’s first exercise apps designed specifically for people with multiple disabilities. Dr. James Haley, a health psychologist from the University of Chichester, joins host Dr. Olli Tikkanen to discuss how co-designed mobile health interventions can support individuals with complex needs. Drawing from his PhD work at Loughborough University, Dr. Haley shares insights into the development and evaluation of the "Accessorize" app—an inclusive tool created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people with various disabilities become more physically active. In this first part of their conversation, Dr. Haley explains how the app adapts to users with spinal cord injuries, amputations, or achondroplasia, allowing them to customize workouts based on environment, goals, and available equipment. He also discusses the outcomes of usability studies, the behavior change techniques embedded in the app, and the challenges faced in conducting feasibility trials with disabled populations. This episode is a must-listen for researchers, developers, and healthcare professionals interested in digital health, inclusive design, and physical activity promotion for underrepresented groups. ___________________________   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

Announcement Related to the Rest of the 2022 - Irregular Publishing Schedule Dear listeners, So it happened that both of the podcast hosts became parents on the very same day! Recordings have been swapped to diaper changing and lullaby singing. This means that the Meaningful Sport Series will be paused until about the end of the year. Regular episodes and Practitioner`s Viewpoint Series will be running but with less episodes. Some of the popular episodes will be republished from earlier days of the podcast. Thanks for your understanding and we hope that the over 400 episodes so far will provide something to listen to meanwhile. We are enthusiastic about the podcast and grateful for all the positive feedback and support, it really makes our day. While we scale back we would still appreciate all your feedback and suggestions on who and what you would like to hear in the podcast as it will be returning to full swing next year. Have a great autumn all, Noora and Olli --- Dr Bruno da Costa has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (2009-2013). While as an undergraduate, he worked as a tutor for exercise physiology, taught swimming lessons, and participated in several research and study groups, with a longer period at the Laboratory of Behavioral Nutrition/UFSC. He was also trained as a Master in Physical Education at the same University (2015-2017), under the supervision of professor Kelly Silva, where his work focused on the promotion of an active and healthy lifestyle among adolescents. He currently has a PhD (2017-2020), with a focus on understanding changes and determinants of sleep, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity of adolescents which was supervised by Dr. Kelly Silva and Dr. Jean-Philippe. --- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/

Survival Analysis - Dr Chris Moore --- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/

Evolution of Accelerometry Processing Methods - Dr Chris Moore --- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/  

Jesse Cook is a PhD candidate in the Dr. David Plante Sleep Research Laboratory and studies biological, psychological and sociological factors that connect with unexplained excessive sleepiness. He was first drawn to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research through the connection between sleep health and AD, and the prevention, detection and potential treatment implications of this connection. Cook believes sleep health disparities across underrepresented groups may help explain disproportionate risk of AD. He is currently completing his dissertation, and intends to pursue a career in behavioral sleep medicine as a clinical psychologist.   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/  

Jesse Cook is a PhD candidate in the Dr. David Plante Sleep Research Laboratory and studies biological, psychological and sociological factors that connect with unexplained excessive sleepiness. He was first drawn to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research through the connection between sleep health and AD, and the prevention, detection and potential treatment implications of this connection. Cook believes sleep health disparities across underrepresented groups may help explain disproportionate risk of AD. He is currently completing his dissertation, and intends to pursue a career in behavioral sleep medicine as a clinical psychologist.   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/

Jesse Cook is a PhD candidate in the Dr. David Plante Sleep Research Laboratory and studies biological, psychological and sociological factors that connect with unexplained excessive sleepiness. He was first drawn to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research through the connection between sleep health and AD, and the prevention, detection and potential treatment implications of this connection. Cook believes sleep health disparities across underrepresented groups may help explain disproportionate risk of AD. He is currently completing his dissertation, and intends to pursue a career in behavioral sleep medicine as a clinical psychologist.   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/

Jesse Cook is a PhD candidate in the Dr. David Plante Sleep Research Laboratory and studies biological, psychological and sociological factors that connect with unexplained excessive sleepiness. He was first drawn to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research through the connection between sleep health and AD, and the prevention, detection and potential treatment implications of this connection. Cook believes sleep health disparities across underrepresented groups may help explain disproportionate risk of AD. He is currently completing his dissertation, and intends to pursue a career in behavioral sleep medicine as a clinical psychologist.   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | The New Gold Standard for Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Monitoring Learn more about Fibion: fibion.com/research --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover new Fibion SENS Motion: https://sens.fibion.com/

In this second part of our conversation with Dr Leah Ferguson, we continue exploring self-compassion and flourishing in sport. Specifically, we discuss gendered perspectives on self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being, the need to move away from binary perspectives on gender and considering a broader range of cultural identities, and the importance of using appropriate language when discussing self-compassion with athletes and coaches. Towards the end of the conversation, we move on to discussing indigenous athletes' wellness and ways that some indigenous athletes understand and experience flourishing in sport. Dr Leah Ferguson is an Associate Professor at University of Saskatchewan. Her research areas include sport psychology and indigenous people’s wellness; the latter topic will be explored in the 2nd part of the podcast. Research discussed in this episode includes: Ferguson, L., Epp, G. B., Wuttunee, K., Dunn, M., McHugh, T. L., & Humbert, M. L. (2019). ‘It’s more than just performing well in your sport. It’s also about being healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually’: Indigenous women athletes’ meanings and experiences of flourishing in sport. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(1), 1-19. Ferguson, L. J., & Gunnell, K. E. (2016).Eudaimonic well-being: A gendered perspective In Handbook of Eudaimonic Well-Being (pp. 427-436). Springer, Cham.   Reis, N. A., Kowalski, K. C., Mosewich, A. D., & Ferguson, L. J. (2022). 'That's how I am dealing with it – that is dealing with it': exploring men athletes' self-compassion through the lens of masculinity Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 14(2), 245-267.  

Many athletes believe that they should be self-critical and hard on themselves to reach their full potential. Yet, what if an opposite perspective, focused on self-compassion, would actually be much more conducive to flourishing and meaningful experiences in sport? These and other questions are explored in this episode with Dr Leah Ferguson. Questions explored in this podcast include: - What is self-compassion and how is it different from self-esteem? - What is eudaimonic well-being? How is meaning related to that? - Is sport culture resistant to self-compassion? Should we talk about it with a different language? Dr Leah Ferguson is an Associate Professor at University of Saskatchewan. Her research areas include sport psychology and indigenous people’s wellness; the latter topic will be explored in the 2nd part of the podcast. Research discussed in this episode includes: Exploring self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being in young women athletes Self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being during emotionally difficult times in sport  

In this second part of our conversation with Professor Rylee Dionigi, we continue exploring the Masters sport phenomenon from a socio-cultural perspective. Ageing-as-decline discourse is nowadays challenged by active, healthy and successful ageing discourses. What are the opportunities but also potential problems associated with these competing discourses? What are the implications for exercise and health promotion with older adults? We also explore methodologies and methods that have been useful in Prof. Dionigi's research into Masters sport and physical activity. Rylee Dionigi is a professor in of Sport and Exercise Science at Charles Sturt University with expertise in qualitative research as well as sociology of active living and ageing. She has studied Masters sports for over 20 years and shared her insights from this extensive work in the podcast. Interested in exploring further? You can read more in Prof. Dionigi's works: Dionigi, R. A. (2015). Pathways to masters sport: Sharing stories from sport 'continuers','rekindlers' and 'late bloomers' In Physical activity and sport in later life (pp. 54-68). Palgrave Macmillan, London.   Dionigi, R. A. (2016). The Competitive Older Athlete. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 32(1), 55-62.   Dionigi, R. A. (2017). I would rather die than live sedentary. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 33(3), 156-161.   Dionigi, R. A. (2021). From fascination to revelation: my research journey with older MastersVeteran athletes. In Research Handbook on Sports and Society (pp. 244-259). Edward Elgar Publishing.   Dionigi, R. A., & Gard, M. (2018). Sport and Physical Activity across the Lifespan Critical Perspectives. Springer.   Gard, M., Dionigi, R. A., Horton, S., Baker, J., Weir, P., & Dionigi, C. (2017). The normalization of sport for older people?. Annals of leisure research, 20(3), 253-272.

Opportunities for involvement in sports in later life have increased significantly and many sports around the globe have competitions and categories for Masters/Veteran athletes. At the same time, researchers have explored the experiences and meanings of being an older athlete, showing tensions in individual experiences as well as in shifting social discourse surrounding sport and ageing. We have shifted from ageing-as-decline to active ageing discourses, which provide different imagination of growing old. But are there also some darker sides in the shift towards more positive visions of ageing? Rylee Dionigi is a professor in of Sport and Exercise Science at Charles Sturt University with expertise in qualitative research as well as sociology of active living and ageing. She has studied Masters sports for over 20 years and shared her insights from this extensive work in the podcast. Questions explored in the conversation include: How did the cultural discourses shift in the last 20 years? Have athletes' experiences and meanings of sport also shifted at the same time? What are the different pathways to Masters sport and do they map into different relationships with sport? Why are active ageing discourses also potentially problematic? Interested? You can read more in Prof. Dionigi's works: Dionigi, R. A. (2015). Pathways to masters sport: Sharing stories from sport 'continuers','rekindlers' and 'late bloomers' In Physical activity and sport in later life (pp. 54-68). Palgrave Macmillan, London.   Dionigi, R. A. (2016). The Competitive Older Athlete. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 32(1), 55-62.   Dionigi, R. A. (2017). I would rather die than live sedentary. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 33(3), 156-161.   Dionigi, R. A. (2021). From fascination to revelation: my research journey with older MastersVeteran athletes. In Research Handbook on Sports and Society (pp. 244-259). Edward Elgar Publishing.   Dionigi, R. A., & Gard, M. (2018). Sport and Physical Activity across the Lifespan Critical Perspectives. Springer.   Gard, M., Dionigi, R. A., Horton, S., Baker, J., Weir, P., & Dionigi, C. (2017). The normalization of sport for older people?. Annals of leisure research, 20(3), 253-272.