Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Technology Survey administered as part of the Technology In Later Life (TILL) Project (2015-2017)
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Psychology and Climbing
Research Interests:
Rock climbers are attracted to destinations by the climbing sites found there. Given the centrality of these sites to travel behavior, the fundamental question guiding this research is “What is the nature of the relationship between rock... more
Rock climbers are attracted to destinations by the climbing sites found there. Given the centrality of these sites to travel behavior, the fundamental question guiding this research is “What is the nature of the relationship between rock climbers and the sites they climb?” with a focus on how places are infused with meaning. This poster uses the personal narratives of ten rock climbers from Western Canada to explore how these specific climbers are creating meaningful places through sport and travel.
Research Interests:
A presentation for the online NASSM 2020 conference explaining how progressive constraints are experienced by indoor rock climbers and how the social worlds help climbers negotiate constraints.
Research Interests:
With enhanced challenges to maintain social connections especially during times of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for technology solutions grow. Technologies have become interwoven into the daily lives for many... more
With enhanced challenges to maintain social connections especially during times of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for technology solutions grow. Technologies have become interwoven into the daily lives for many older adults. The Technology Use in Later Life (TILL) study investigated how the perceptions and use of technology both can foster new and leverage existing intergenerational relationships. Through a mixed methods study engaging older adults aged 70 years of age and greater across rural and urban sites in Canada and the UK (N=37), participants described how the interconnection between technology and intergenerational relationships was an integral component to social connectedness with others. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, it was noted that older adults leveraged intergenerational relationships with family and friends to adjust to new technologies and to remain connected to adult children and grandchildren especially when there is high g...
Research Interests:
Technology use is increasing globally as more people obtain access to it. Older adults are among the fastest growing group of technology users (Perrin & Duggan, 2015). Almost 60% of people over 65 use the Internet and 77% have a cell... more
Technology use is increasing globally as more people obtain access to it. Older adults are among the fastest growing group of technology users (Perrin & Duggan, 2015). Almost 60% of people over 65 use the Internet and 77% have a cell phone (Smith, 2014). Furthermore, mobile technology is becoming more relevant for older adults (Kim & Preis, 2016). However, older adults’ perceptions of the benefits of technology use vary (Selwyn, 2004). Those who adopt technology tend to be younger, more educated, and have a higher income than those who do not (Smith, 2014). Users focus on project-based or purposeful use while non-users are indifferent to technology and/or engage in non-technological activities during their free-time (Hanson, 2010; Selwyn, 2004). Despite these variations, several benefits of technology use have been identified, including: enjoyment and entertainment, increased learning opportunities, information searches, business transactions (e.g., shopping, finances), and social c...
Research Interests:
Community sport organizations provide youth with opportunities to engage in organized sport through the dedication of volunteers. One group important to the implementation of programs are coaches. ...
Research Interests:
Technology is entwined in 21st Century society, and within the lives of people across all ages. The Technology In Later Life (TILL) study is the first piece of work contributing to the impact, behavior, and perception of technology use,... more
Technology is entwined in 21st Century society, and within the lives of people across all ages. The Technology In Later Life (TILL) study is the first piece of work contributing to the impact, behavior, and perception of technology use, by adults aged ≥70 years, residing in rural and suburban areas. TILL is an international, multi-centred, multi-methods study investigating and conceptualizing how various technologies impact the lives of older adults; residing in urban and rural locations in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. This in-depth study recruited 37 participants via a multi-methods approach. Analysis of the findings ascertained two overarching themes: facilitators of technology use (i.e., sharing of information and feeling secure), and detractors of technology (i.e., feelings of apprehension of use). Proposed recommendations include promotion of technology from a strengths-based perspective focusing on positive opportunities technology to improve health and wellbeing, creat...
Research Interests: Rural Sociology, Perception, Gerontology, Mobile Technology, Aging, and 15 moreInformation Communication Technology, Gerontechnology, Demography of ageing, Medicine, Healthcare, Social connectedness, Social Gerontology, Information and Communications Technology, Feeling, Active Ageing, Educational Gerontology, Cultural Gerontology, Apprehension, Rural Ageing, and social connections
Research Interests: Psychology, Information Technology, Technology, Social Sciences, Gerontology, and 14 moreRecreation & Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, Mobile Technology, Aging, Information Communication Technology, Leisure Studies, Leisure, Ageing and Health, Aging & the life course, Social Gerontology, RECREATION, Healthy Aging, Exploratory Research, and Active Ageing
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Landscapes and settings are important travel motivators, especially for sport tourism events. Understanding perceptions of sportscapes and travel motivations are essential for sport event organizers and destination managers’ to create... more
Landscapes and settings are important travel motivators, especially for sport tourism events. Understanding perceptions of sportscapes and travel motivations are essential for sport event organizers and destination managers’ to create sustainable and successful sport tourism events and destinations. This paper reports findings from a survey of active sport tourists’ engaged in Bike Fest, a small-scale competitive cycling tourism event held in Banff National Park, Canada during the shoulder tourism season. Enjoyment of Banff's destination attributes (mountains, nature) ranked second to engagement in competition and physical activity, followed by experiencing excitement and stimulation as reasons for visiting. Views on the destination's appropriateness as a site for racing and leisure travel, attachment to the destination, satisfaction with the destination and race venue, and racers’ preferences of other types of race settings were additional variables documented in this study. This paper expands our understanding of the role destination attributes play in active sport tourists’ travel decisions, and inform efforts to establish a sustainable sport tourism event. It examines event participants’ perspectives on the repurposing of a national park as a race event venue and recommends additional study of the intersection of course attributes, place appeal and attachment, competition, and performance as a valuable research direction which will support event and destination development, and visitor experience enhancement.
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Many recreation and sport activities that traditionally took place in natural settings are now being made available to people in artificial settings. This trend raises fundamental questions about the relevance of place to... more
ABSTRACT Many recreation and sport activities that traditionally took place in natural settings are now being made available to people in artificial settings. This trend raises fundamental questions about the relevance of place to participants. This paper, therefore, examines the place meanings that rock climbers develop for indoor climbing facilities. Twenty-one rock climbers from Western Canada participated in semi-structured interviews, during which they provided detailed narratives about their climbing experiences. Nine place-based themes (consciously artificial, re-creating nature, accessibility, distinct sport, outdoor desires, loyalty, skill development, physical fitness, and camaraderie) emerged in the analysis and were grouped into three dimensions (physical, experiential, and activity). The findings reveal that indoor climbing facilities are indeed places that are infused with meanings. By understanding these meanings, setting managers are in a better position to foster positive place experiences for participants.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Even though the name has changed, the concept of greenways/rail-trails and their benefits to the communities through which they pass have existed for many years. Early City planners proposed the idea of greenbelts and garden cities... more
Even though the name has changed, the concept of greenways/rail-trails and their benefits to the communities through which they pass have existed for many years. Early City planners proposed the idea of greenbelts and garden cities because of their potential for ...
Research Interests:
The purpose of this research was to explore different issues and controversies found in media narratives about hosting the Heritage Classic Ice-Hockey Game, on Canada’s Parliament Hill. This paper utilized the Eight-step... more
The purpose of this research was to explore different issues and controversies found in media narratives about hosting the Heritage Classic Ice-Hockey Game, on Canada’s Parliament Hill. This paper utilized the Eight-step Qualitative-Temporal Visual Analysis and Narrative methodology to look at how Canadian media framed the discussion around the hosting location of the Heritage Classic. A total of 81 news articles from 12 media outlets served as the data for the current study. Media frames were grouped into seven themes: parliamentary rules, interest groups, anniversaries, logistics, competition, event landscape, and nostalgia. These frames point to how Parliament Hill was maintained as an institution through regulations and symbolism. The following manuscript informs research on institutional work through applications of special events, eventscapes, and nostalgia.
Research Interests:
As the use of technology becomes further integrated into the daily lives of all persons, including older adults, it is important to investigate how the perceptions and use of technology intersect with intergenerational relationships.... more
As the use of technology becomes further integrated into the daily lives of all persons, including older adults, it is important to investigate how the perceptions and use of technology intersect with intergenerational relationships. Based on the international multi-centered study Technology In Later Life (TILL), this paper emphasizes the perceptions of older adults and the interconnection between technology and intergenerational relationships are integral to social connectedness with others. Participants from rural and urban sites in Canada and the UK (n = 37) completed an online survey and attended a focus group. Descriptive and thematic analyses suggest that older adults are not technologically adverse and leverage intergenerational relationships with family and friends to adjust to new technologies and to remain connected to adult children and grandchildren, especially when there is high geographic separation between them. Participants referenced younger family members as having...
Research Interests:
Managers of recreational fisheries have traditionally focused on biophysical factors related to the provision and maintenance of fish stocks. However, human dimensions and community development are equally important considerations. This... more
Managers of recreational fisheries have traditionally focused on biophysical factors related to the provision and maintenance of fish stocks. However, human dimensions and community development are equally important considerations. This paper highlights the ...
Research Interests:
Although benefits of leisure and benefits of technology use overlap, how older adults use and perceive of technology use during their leisure time is not well understood.The purpose of this study was to explore e-leisure among older... more
Although benefits of leisure and benefits of technology use overlap, how older adults use and perceive of technology use during their leisure time is not well understood.The purpose of this study was to explore e-leisure among older adults. This international exploratory study included 37 rural and urban-dwelling participants from Canada and the United Kingdom. Focus groups were facilitated to better understand participants' perceptions of technology in later life. Data were analyzed using open and focused coding. Participants reported accessing leisure through technology, such as keeping in touch, engaging in games and hobbies, and supplementing offline leisure. Participants reported several drawbacks, including difficulty getting assistance from other people, challenges using and updating software, concerns related to privacy and security, and lack of confidence and interest. While technology appears to facilitate engagement in leisure for older adults, educational opportunities may be required to overcome the drawbacks of technology use. Implications for therapeutic recreation are considered.
Research Interests:
Elizabeth A. Halpenny, Cory Kulczycki & Farhad Moghimehfar (2016): Factors effecting destination and event loyalty: examining the sustainability of a recurrent small-scale running event at Banff National Park, Journal of Sport & Tourism,... more
Elizabeth A. Halpenny, Cory Kulczycki & Farhad Moghimehfar (2016):
Factors effecting destination and event loyalty: examining the sustainability of a recurrent small-scale running event at Banff National Park, Journal of Sport & Tourism, DOI: 10.1080/14775085.2016.1218787
Factors effecting destination and event loyalty: examining the sustainability of a recurrent small-scale running event at Banff National Park, Journal of Sport & Tourism, DOI: 10.1080/14775085.2016.1218787
Research Interests:
Spa and health tourism have long been recognized as an important sector of the tourism industry. After changes in health insurance legislation, especially in central Europe, many destinations diversifi ed into wellness tourism offers. The... more
Spa and health tourism have long been recognized as an important sector of the tourism industry. After changes in health insurance legislation, especially in central Europe, many destinations diversifi ed into wellness tourism offers. The concept of wellness is a more holistic approach, including pleasure, health, and spirituality. Although not traditionally rec-ognized as wellness tourism, outdoor and adventure recreation and tourism can be active contributors to health and wellbeing. The issues of risk and place attachment, and their rela-tionship to wellness, are the focus of this chapter, concluding with proposing future research directions.
Sport Tourism Development is part of the Aspects of Tourism series from Channel View Publications. The authors of the book are Dr. Tom Hinch, an associate professor with the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University... more
Sport Tourism Development is part of the Aspects of Tourism series from Channel View Publications. The authors of the book are Dr. Tom Hinch, an associate professor with the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta, Canada, and Dr. ...
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT "July 2001." Thesis (M. Tour.)--University of Otago, 2002. Includes bibliographical references.
Co-authored with Dr. Elizabeth A Halpenny from the U of A. Landscapes and settings are important travel motivators, especially for sport tourism events. Understanding perceptions of sportscapes and travel motivations are essential for... more
Co-authored with Dr. Elizabeth A Halpenny from the U of A.
Landscapes and settings are important travel motivators, especially for sport tourism events. Understanding perceptions of sportscapes and travel motivations are essential for sport event organizers and destination managers’ to create sustainable and successful sport tourism events and destinations. This paper reports findings from a survey of active sport tourists’ engaged in Bike Fest, a small-scale competitive cycling tourism event held in Banff National Park, Canada during the shoulder tourism season. Enjoyment of Banff's destination attributes (mountains, nature) ranked second to engagement in competition and physical activity, followed by experiencing excitement and stimulation as reasons for visiting. Views on the destination's appropriateness as a site for racing and leisure travel, attachment to the destination, satisfaction with the destination and race venue, and racers’ preferences of other types of race settings were additional variables documented in this study. This paper expands our understanding of the role destination attributes play in active sport tourists’ travel decisions, and inform efforts to establish a sustainable sport tourism event. It examines event participants’ perspectives on the repurposing of a national park as a race event venue and recommends additional study of the intersection of course attributes, place appeal and attachment, competition, and performance as a valuable research direction which will support event and destination development, and visitor experience enhancement.
Landscapes and settings are important travel motivators, especially for sport tourism events. Understanding perceptions of sportscapes and travel motivations are essential for sport event organizers and destination managers’ to create sustainable and successful sport tourism events and destinations. This paper reports findings from a survey of active sport tourists’ engaged in Bike Fest, a small-scale competitive cycling tourism event held in Banff National Park, Canada during the shoulder tourism season. Enjoyment of Banff's destination attributes (mountains, nature) ranked second to engagement in competition and physical activity, followed by experiencing excitement and stimulation as reasons for visiting. Views on the destination's appropriateness as a site for racing and leisure travel, attachment to the destination, satisfaction with the destination and race venue, and racers’ preferences of other types of race settings were additional variables documented in this study. This paper expands our understanding of the role destination attributes play in active sport tourists’ travel decisions, and inform efforts to establish a sustainable sport tourism event. It examines event participants’ perspectives on the repurposing of a national park as a race event venue and recommends additional study of the intersection of course attributes, place appeal and attachment, competition, and performance as a valuable research direction which will support event and destination development, and visitor experience enhancement.
Research Interests:
Many recreation and sport activities that traditionally took place in natural settings are now being made available to people in artificial settings. This trend raises fundamental questions about the relevance of place to participants.... more
Many recreation and sport activities that traditionally took place in natural settings are
now being made available to people in artificial settings. This trend raises fundamental
questions about the relevance of place to participants. This paper, therefore, examines
the place meanings that rock climbers develop for indoor climbing facilities. Twentyone
rock climbers from Western Canada participated in semi-structured interviews,
during which they provided detailed narratives about their climbing experiences. Nine
place-based themes (consciously artificial, re-creating nature, accessibility, distinct
sport, outdoor desires, loyalty, skill development, physical fitness, and camaraderie)
emerged in the analysis and were grouped into three dimensions (physical, experiential,
and activity). The findings reveal that indoor climbing facilities are indeed places that
are infused with meanings. By understanding these meanings, setting managers are in a
better position to foster positive place experiences for participants.
now being made available to people in artificial settings. This trend raises fundamental
questions about the relevance of place to participants. This paper, therefore, examines
the place meanings that rock climbers develop for indoor climbing facilities. Twentyone
rock climbers from Western Canada participated in semi-structured interviews,
during which they provided detailed narratives about their climbing experiences. Nine
place-based themes (consciously artificial, re-creating nature, accessibility, distinct
sport, outdoor desires, loyalty, skill development, physical fitness, and camaraderie)
emerged in the analysis and were grouped into three dimensions (physical, experiential,
and activity). The findings reveal that indoor climbing facilities are indeed places that
are infused with meanings. By understanding these meanings, setting managers are in a
better position to foster positive place experiences for participants.
Research Interests:
Managers of recreational fisheries have traditionally focused on biophysical factors related to the provision and maintenance of fish stocks. However, human dimensions and community development are equally important considerations. This... more
Managers of recreational fisheries have traditionally focused on biophysical factors related to the provision and maintenance of fish stocks. However, human dimensions and community development are equally important considerations. This paper highlights the angling experiences, economic impacts, and community development associated with the creation of a brown trout fishery in the upper section of the Grand River in Ontario, Canada. Results are presented from a series of four surveys conducted on this reach of river over the past decade. Findings build upon traditional measures of success and encompass other factors linked to the fishery. Considering these often unintended implications from successful fisheries management makes clear the importance of broadening fishery considerations beyond biophysical elements. The study highlights the potential for developing nature-based recreation amenities as a strategy for broadening the economic development base in rural communities and an ongoing need for fisheries managers to work with members of the community.
Research Interests:
This article presents the place meanings that 21 rock climbers from Western Canada ascribe to outdoor climbing sites. It takes the form of an interpretive inquiry based on semi-structured interviews through which interviewees provided... more
This article presents the place meanings that 21 rock climbers from Western Canada ascribe to outdoor climbing sites. It takes the form of an interpretive inquiry based on semi-structured interviews through which interviewees provided narratives about their climbing experiences. An analysis of these narratives identified eight place meanings (accessibility, site attributes, variety, social interactions, mecca, learning, exploration, and escape) which were grouped into three dimensions (physical site, social, and experiential). As these themes suggest, the place meanings of climbing sites are complex and multidimensional as articulated by the climbers. Specifically, climbing places were physical places associated with the act of climbing, exploring the site and social interactions that included group inclusion and avoidance.
Research Interests:
Current research in nostalgia sport tourism commonly focuses on individual and group travel to sport museums, halls of fame and fantasy camps (which occur as isolated events). However, there is a sector of sport tourists who travel to... more
Current research in nostalgia sport tourism commonly focuses on individual and group travel to sport museums, halls of fame and fantasy camps (which occur as isolated events). However, there is a sector of sport tourists who travel to live sporting events for the nostalgic reflection of the game and its players. This behaviour is evident in individuals who considered themselves fans of the now defunct National Hockey League team the Hartford Whalers. As part of a larger study into fan loyalty, these individuals were interviewed. The results show that a large contingent of fans travel to see live NHL hockey because it was no longer available in Hartford after the Whalers relocated to North Carolina. This paper shows that the definition of nostalgia sport tourism should be expanded to include fans that travel to live sporting events as a means of reflecting on past experiences as sports fans.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Current research in nostalgia sport tourism commonly focuses on individual and group travel to sport museums, halls of fame and fantasy camps (which occur as isolated events). However, there is a sector of sport tourists who travel to... more
Current research in nostalgia sport tourism commonly focuses on individual and group travel to sport museums, halls of fame and fantasy camps (which occur as isolated events). However, there is a sector of sport tourists who travel to live sporting events for the nostalgic reflection of the game and its players. This behaviour is evident in individuals who considered themselves fans of the now defunct National Hockey League team the Hartford Whalers. As part of a larger study into fan loyalty, these individuals were interviewed. The results show that a large contingent of fans travel to see live NHL hockey because it was no longer available in Hartford after the Whalers relocated to North Carolina. This paper shows that the definition of nostalgia sport tourism should be expanded to include fans that travel to live sporting events as a means of reflecting on past experiences as sports fans.