ABSTRACT
Many athletes have long and successful careers and are able to compete at the highest level into their fourth decade and beyond. Assumptions around the age threshold for optimum performance are therefore constantly being challenged, and strength and conditioning coaches are likely to encounter athletes who have had lengthy exposures to strength and conditioning practices. The research literature focuses primarily on the physiology of ageing with the implication that physical capabilities deteriorate to a point where excellent performance is no longer possible. In this chapter it is suggested that this literature ignores many of the psychosocial capabilities and skills that enable older athletes to continue to compete effectively. As their needs and expectations are likely to be different, this chapter suggests that there are a number of strength and conditioning strategies that can be negotiated for older athletes. Competent strength and conditioning coaches should approach the challenge of older and experienced athletes with inquisitiveness and curiosity, recognising that this presents a valuable and unique professional development opportunity. Strength and conditioning coaches are encouraged to continue to treat each athlete as an individual, seek to understand each athlete’s unique contexts, and find ways to accommodate their ongoing strength and conditioning needs.
