1. The protean self reconsidered: older adult climbers and the (re-) invention of identity International Adventure Conference Sheffield 2015. Dr Mark Hickman. University of Central Lancashire. Professor Colin Beard. Sheffield Hallam University.

2. This Study Definitions of ‘old age’ not consistent across contemporary developed countries. 60-67 is an average age at which people are eligible to withdraw from the labour force. This transition point involves twin issues of time and identity.

3. Qualitative Approach Aim Articulate older adults’ experiences Purposive Sample n=12 Questionnaire + targeted interviews Average Age 73.3 ‘Young-old’ Competent at F4IPA No claim to statistical generalization

4. Storied Context Emergent Themes The Aged Image Work as the New Leisure Generativity

5. The Aged Image Exploring New Terrain “What’s it like to be me at 68?” Affirming Fit, active, still climbing well, look good in climbing clothes Overt Rejection Decline, morbidity, impairment, pathologization

6. Work as the New Leisure Supports Concept of Self Self-identity partially located in employment skills Continuity through transfer to climbing Changing notions of volunteering Highly Targeted Self-determined

7. Generativity Legacy Reinvention of the self and of ‘ageing’ Creating a livable story for self and others Challenging the sociology of ageing Pathfinders and Lobsticks

8. Ageing well through rock climbing focused activity (+) Cognitive efficacy (=) Physical & mental health ( ≅ ) Functional status

9. Options Pathologize Challenge Narrative