Playing the long game: exploring the phenomenon of dementia friendly golf

Robbie S. Norval*, Fiona Henderson, Geoffrey Whittam

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
114 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

As individuals age, participation in previously accessible leisure activities can be compromised through diminished capabilities and negative societal expectations. This study investigates the unexplored accessibility of golf for older people with dementia using interviews and observations of Scottish participants in social enterprise–led golfing activities. The resulting thematic analysis concluded that golf is an accessible activity for people living with dementia, and continued participation generates social connectedness and enhances well-being. However, there remain social barriers to participation including societal stigma surrounding the perceived abilities of people living with dementia and the perception of golf as a middle-class and male-dominated sport.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2867-2875
Number of pages9
JournalDementia
Volume20
Issue number8
Early online date14 May 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • activity
  • carers
  • dementia
  • golf
  • qualitative study
  • social enterprise

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences
  • Sociology and Political Science

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