The Masters Athlete

Masters athletes are those that continue to train and compete, typically at a high level, beyond the age of thirty-five and into middle and old age. The study of masters athletes enables us to better understand the benefits of, and motivations for, life-long involvement in physical activity. This is the first book to draw together current research on this important topic.

Joseph Baker is an associate professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in Toronto, Canada. He is the current president of the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology. Sean Horton is an assistant professor at the University of Windsor. His research is focused on skill acquisition and expert performance throughout the lifespan, as well as how stereotypes of aging affect seniors' participation in exercise. Patricia Weir has been a faculty member at the University of Windsor since 1991. Her research interests include the effects of aging on goal-directed movement, psychosocial changes in Masters Athletes, and the role that physical activity plays in developing successful aging.

1. The Emergence of Masters Sport: Participatory Trends and Historical Development 2. Statistical Modelling of Age Trends in Masters Athletes 3. Peak Exercise Performance, Muscle Strength and Power in Masters Athletes 4. The Role of Aging and Sustained Exercise Involvement on Cardiovascular Function in Older Persons 5. Maintenance of Skilled Performance with Age: Lessons from the Masters 6. Aging and Recovery: Implications for the Masters Athlete 7. Motivation and Sport Commitment in Masters Sport 8. Masters Athletes as Role Models? Combating Stereotypes of Aging 9. Masters Sport as a Strategy for Managing the Aging Process 10. Physical Activity: What Role Does it Play in Achieving Successful Aging? 11. Injury Epidemiology, Health and Performance in Masters Athletes 12. The Future of Masters Games: Implications for Policy and Research