“You feel like people are looking at you and laughing”: Older adults' perceptions of aquatic physical activity

► We examine older adults' lived experiences of aquatic activity using interviews. ► Participation was both enabling and constraining. Relationship networks altered. ► Perceptions of the aged body contribute to feelings of frailty in the pool. ► Exposure of participants' bodies created angst and fear of ridicule by 'others.' ► Participants internalised social values of the aging body, limiting involvement.