'Instead of "closing down" at our ages… we’re thinking of exciting and challenging things to do': older people’s microadventures outdoors on (e-)bikes

Spencer, B., Jones, T., Leyland, L.-A., Van Reekum, C. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1516-1101 and Beale, N. (2019) 'Instead of "closing down" at our ages… we’re thinking of exciting and challenging things to do': older people’s microadventures outdoors on (e-)bikes. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 19 (2). pp. 124-139. ISSN 1472-9679 doi: 10.1080/14729679.2018.1558080

Abstract/Summary

This paper explores how people aged 50 and over, who were returning to cycling as part of an eight-week health and wellbeing trial, created their own cycling microadventures. Applying a stage model of the process of adventure to qualitative data generated from personal diaries and focus groups, we examine how older people anticipated and prepared for their microadventures, the challenges and discoveries they experienced, the benefits they gained and how electrically assisted ‘e-bikes’ can provide further opportunities for adventure. We conclude that cycles are a mode uniquely placed to facilitate microadventures and that e-bikes, in particular, offer further potential to enable older people to (re-)connect with place and other people. But, while this type of activity can provide benefits in terms of health and wellbeing, we argue that more supportive physical and social infrastructure is required to provide opportunities for more people to undertake microadventures close to their homes.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/81221
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/14729679.2018.1558080
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience
Publisher	Taylor and Francis
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