For young athletes, it's often hard to imagine what sport participation will look like when they're older. Retiring from their sport of choice, especially if they competed and trained at a high level, can cause a jarring shift in lifestyle and mental health.
Continued sport involvement in adulthood is incredibly important for longjevity, whether continuing the same sport or learning a new one. It helps maintain physical and mental well-being; from reduced risk of falling in later life to forming strong social connections. For athletes, specifically, retiring from competition shouldn't be the end of sport altogether. They likely have a unique passion and perspective to share with the broader community and to gain themselves, though they may need to adjust their performance expectations to be more about enjoyment and personal growth.