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2018 NASSS Annual Conference
Sport Soundtrack: Sport, Music, & Culture
PM

Pirkko Markula

University of Alberta
Decolonizing Ageing: Reflections on Dance, Health, and Aging Body
Decolonizing Ageing: Reflections on Dance, Health, and Aging Body
Medical research has demonstrated that older adults typically have reduced muscle mass, less muscle strength and endurance, and aerobic power than young people (e.g., Keogh & Al, 2009). In addition, aging women, particularly, run a risk of osteoporosis characterized by increased bone fragility and fracture risk due to hormonal changes (e.g., Dizral & al., 2018). My doctor, consequently, recommends weight-bearing exercises to prevent osteoporosis and other effects of aging. As a Deleuzian researcher, I quietly wonder if dancing counts. In this paper, I further problematize the connections between aging, health, physical activity, and medical research framed through new materialism, science, and artistic expression.