Becky Oatley
Becky’s PhD in Dementia Studies is all the more remarkable given that for the first two years she was competing professionally in the Superleague for 成人B站 netball franchise, Severn Stars. “Being part of the University’s Association for Dementia Studies has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “Being able to combine my career in elite sport alongside study was invaluable and it has been exciting to develop opportunities between my own dementia research and the wider university commitment to inclusive sport.”
“All previous research has focussed upon men and traditional sports, such as football,” she said. “Yet some women have meaningful connections to sport that can challenge gender and disability-based stereotypes of what it means to be a woman affected by dementia. The topic of sport could offer opportunity for women to uphold a positive sense of identity and feel a sense of belonging that can be of great value in the context of living with dementia.” Findings from Becky’s PhD have been incorporated into some of the University’s teaching.
She is now working as a research associate at the Association, working on projects including looking at Extra Care Housing, physical activity and Meeting Centres, which provide a meet-up for people living with dementia and were originally piloted by the University. She has also been working in practice, supporting people living with dementia in Worcestershire to access services and engage in activities.