Older adults' participation in Physical Activity (PA) in the United Kingdom remains low. Moreover,
although the subjective and narrative elements of aging are increasingly studied, promotion of
healthy behaviours such as aquatic PA still frequently reduces older adults to passive recipients
who rely on health professionals for their wellbeing. Using a figurational perspective, the
relationship between participants' perceptions of the aging body and participation in aquatic
activity was investigated. Interviews were completed with 22 adults aged over 50 years (7 men, 15
women). Participants highlighted a number of perceptual barriers that were contoured by wider
social representations of older adults. Perceptions focussed upon the perceived limitations of the
aging body. The need for regular participation in PA was recognised. However the potential for
angst when wearing a bathing costume in the presence of ‘others’ was expressed, particularly
amongst those considering themselves overweight. Participants objectified their bodies and
compared them with those of other participants. The difficulties of managing physical (e.g. injury
and illness) and environmental risk were described. At the same time, participants experienced the
development of new webs of interdependence. These webs were both enabling and constraining.
Some participants felt empowered. However, the exclusivity of many aquatic activity sessions
re-emphasised the status of older adults as outsiders in the wider figuration of physical activity.