Sportsperson Of The Century Carries The Torch For The `Third Age
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SPORTSPERSON OF THE CENTURY CARRIES THE TORCH FOR THE `THIRD AGE
New Zealand's Sportsperson of the Century Peter Snell visits New Zealand next week (June 4 - 10) to promote positive
aging and the rich possibilities of the `third age' of life.
Snell will meet with groups working in the area of positive aging and present lessons from his research and experience
in the public health field. He will also take part in the Olympic torch celebrations in the build-up to the Sydney 2000
games. Snell captained New Zealand's Olympic team to the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games where he won gold medals in the 800
and 1500 metre events, following his 800 metre gold medal at the Rome Olympics in 1960.
His visit to New Zealand follows remarks he made accepting his Sportsperson of the Century award in February in which he
indicated he would like to return to New Zealand at some point. Snell, an exercise physiologist, is currently on the
faculty of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, where he is director of the Human Performance
laboratory.
Snell's research focus has evolved from an interest in athletic performance to public health issues associated with
physical inactivity - obesity, adult-onset diabetes and coronary heart disease - and in particular the use of exercise
to enhance the quality of life in older adults. "In the US there is a strong focus on positive aging, or what has been
dubbed the `third age' of life," says Snell. "These are the years when we are freed from the duties of raising a family;
a time perhaps to pursue a road not taken."
Snell says that popular culture the world over has produced an increasingly youth-oriented world. "I sense New Zealand,
probably more so that the US, believes `old age' is a negative state. Empowering those nearing retirement age to
postpone `old age' and embrace the possibilities of the `third age' is my goal."
The term `third age' comes from the French term `troisieme age', a term used by European academics for the stage of
maturity after growing up and the other-directed responsibilities of middle adulthood are completed. (www.thirdage.com)
It is broadly applied to people aged 50-years-old and older.
"I have travelled in the US giving lectures and seminars on exercise and positive aging issues. Now I have been offered
an opportunity to communicate this vision, and share my philosophy with New Zealanders," says Snell. "My wish is to tap
into work that is already ongoing and to support groups and organisations confronting `third age' issues."
Snell will hold a presentation on June 8 with representatives of groups working in this field, and will record a series
of television public service messages on the subject.
An exhibition `Peter Snell Olympian' opens at the Olympic Museum in Wellington today (June 2, 2000), featuring an
extended interview with Snell as well as photographs from his career. (Exhibition information: Charles Callis, Curator
Olympic Museum, 025 913397)
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