A Sociological Analysis of Elderly Sports Persons in Punjab: A Case Study Approach

Ageing is a natural part in lifecycle of human existence, that every human being has to go through. The present study is on elderly sports persons in Punjab and it is approached through the lens of social gerontology, putting across the narratives about their athletic identity and ageing. With the help of case study approach, the continuity of maintaining similar identity, social roles and wellbeing in later life of the elderly sports persons was highlighted. The objective of the study is to explore the social circumstances faced by the elderly sports persons in Punjab after their retirement and highlight the role of family and community in their social adjustment in life. It is an attempt to understand the challenges faced by the elderly sports persons in transition to retired phase of life. Employing the social gerontology framework, the purpose of this research is to have a better insight into sociological dimensions of life of retired elderly sportspersons in Punjab. The research emphasizes sports persons aged over sixty years from Punjab are still actively engaged in the sports, both formally and informally. The present research is based on seven elderly sportspersons in Punjab. Generally, sports persons have emotional and deep connection to their sports. They have a lifelong bond with their sport as they have achieved name and frame from their respective sport. The study finds that after retirement, engaging themselves in sports helped in easy transition and social adjustment of elderly sports persons in later phase of their life. It provides them a sense of purpose and satisfaction in their life. It gives them a feeling of belongingness and helps them staying away from challenges in life after retirement.