Leisure and Aging – Vocabulary Flashcards

The Importance of Leisure in Later Life – Comprehensive Notes

The Role of Leisure in Later Life

Leisure is central to many older adults’ lives, often fully integrated into daily routines rather than being a separate “frivolous” activity.
Leisure can provide meaning, structure, and a sense of purpose, contributing to physical, psychological, affective, and social well-being.
The Andersons’ letter illustrates leisure as a blend of work and leisure, where daily tasks (grape growing, gardening, winemaking) are interwoven with leisure-like breaks, reading, walks, conversations, and social activities.
Leisure may be a central focus for some (Ulyssean living) or a compensatory activity for losses in other roles; the chapter treats leisure as multifaceted, not merely as free time.
For Ulyssean living, leisure can be a developmentally meaningful path that supports growth, identity, and community embeddedness.

What Is Leisure? Definitions and Dimensions

Three broad definitional categories emerge: time, activity, and state of mind.
- Time: leisure as unobligated or free time not needed for necessities or duties; unstructured time; time to relax and play.
- Activity: leisure as an enjoyable, purposeful activity outside of work; doing what you like, not necessarily passive.
- State of mind: choosing to do what one desires, with perceived autonomy and intrinsic motivation.
Older adults’ definitions often blend the three: leisure involves choosing to engage in meaningful, enjoyable activities during unobligated time.
Barrett (1989) notes that leisure is notoriously hard to define; context matters, and the meaning of leisure evolves with life stage.
The Ulyssean view expands beyond passive free time to include ongoing engagement, purpose, and self-actualization through meaningful activity.

The Role of Leisure in Ulyssean Living

Leisure is not merely time-filling; it is a domain for personal growth, identity, and coping with aging.
Baby boomers are entering retirement with expectations of sophisticated quality-of-life programs and opportunities for meaningful leisure (Caudron, 1997; Hanna, 2006).
Central constructs of leisure in aging research: perceived freedom (freedom of choice) and intrinsic motivation (activity chosen for its own rewards).
Intrinsic motivation is emphasized as crucial; freedom of choice alone is not sufficient without enjoyment (Iso-Ahola, 1989).
Leisure is defined as freely chosen activity, pursued for its own sake, with enjoyment, during unobligated time.

Health, Exercise, and Leisure

Health is broader than disease absence; it includes physical, mental, and social well-being and functional capacity.
Although aging involves physiological decline, decline is not inevitable; control over health is crucial (Burdman, 1986).
Fewer than 25% of people over 65 regularly exercise; lifestyle and diet significantly impact health outcomes; inactivity is a major risk factor.
Exercise is a key component of health in later life and is emphasized in senior centers and programs such as annual Olympic-style events for older adults and the U.S. Senior Sports Classic.
Important government and health organizations advocate for physical activity in older adulthood:
- Teague (1987) and the National Institute on Aging emphasize planned physical activity to prevent or diminish chronic conditions.
- The five components of a balanced fitness program: ext{Endurance}, ext{Strength}, ext{Flexibility}, ext{Balance}, ext{Weight control}
- Endurance: increases breathing and heart rate; supports lungs/heart/circulation; may reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes.
- Strength: builds muscle, increases metabolism, may prevent osteoporosis.
- Flexibility: maintains range of motion; helps prevent falls.
- Balance: reduces fall risk.
- Weight control: supports overall health.
National guidelines (CDC, NIH/NIA) for older adults:
- At least 150\ ext{minutes} of moderate aerobic activity per week, plus at least 2\ ext{days} per week of muscle-strengthening activities.
- An alternative: 75\ \text{minutes} of vigorous aerobic activity per week, plus two days of strengthening.
- For greater benefits: at least 5\ \text{hours} of moderate aerobic activity (or equivalent vigorous activity) with two or more days of strengthening.
- Beginning slowly is advised for previously sedentary individuals; seek medical advice if health problems exist.
The CDC suggests community strategies to promote exercise among older adults:
- Offer programs with aerobic, strength, and flexibility components.
- Use malls, indoor spaces for protected exercise.
- Make facilities more accessible; provide transportation.
- Involve healthcare providers as advocates; plan community-sponsored activities.
Go4Life and other NIH resources provide practical guidance:
- Choose activities like walking, cycling, gardening; begin with 30\ \text{minutes} of activity daily (can be in segments: 3×10 min).
- A well-balanced regimen includes endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility components.
- Individuals, especially men >40 and women >50 planning vigorous activity, should consult physicians if health issues exist.
The broader health case for leisure:
- Inactivity is linked to higher healthcare costs due to obesity and related conditions; sustaining activity has broad personal and social benefits.
- Engagement in leisure supports mental health, cognitive function, social connections, and overall quality of life.

Successful Aging, Meaningful Activity, and the Health Equation

A widely cited perspective on successful aging (McLean; modifying Barrett) is:
- ext{Successful Aging} = ext{Health} \times ext{Meaningful Activity} \times ext{Being Needed} \times ext{Financial Security}
Each component interacts to support aging well:
- Health: not merely absence of disease but functional, physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Meaningful Activity: instrumental and expressive activities that matter to the person; can provide identity continuity or renewal.
- Being Needed: social roles, volunteerism, and friendships provide purpose and structure.
- Financial Security: income stability or supplementary earnings from hobbies or part-time work.

Meaningful Activity in Ulyssean Living

Meaningful activity can take various forms and may involve instrumental uses to achieve goals or expressive uses to find purpose.
Eakman, Carlson, and Clark (2010): meaningful activities are those that matter or are personally fulfilling; engagement in personally meaningful activities is more important to well-being than participation in less meaningful activities.
Identity, growth, and purpose themes in leisure:
- Personal growth: leisure helps individuals understand strengths/weaknesses, build self-esteem, and pursue self-actualization; challenge and persistence are crucial.
- Serious leisure (Stebbins, 2001): a framework for meaningful engagement that is complex, challenging, and involves knowledge/skill; categories include amateurs, hobbyists, and serious volunteers.
- Generativity: actions that ensure continuation of self after death (e.g., helping others, creating lasting works, preserving resources); leisure can be a vehicle for generativity (Me deiros 2008; Medeiros case of Mr. A).
- Grey nomads (Onyx & Leonard, 2007): travel-focused leisure as a path to personal growth and self-discovery.
Flow and self-actualization (Csikszentmihalyi & Kleiber): deep, sustained, disciplined involvement in an activity can lead to self-actualization; autotelic experiences are rewarding in themselves.
Five elements of flow (critical for self-actualization):
- 1) Merging of action and awareness; complete involvement.
- 2) Balance between demands and skills; anxiety or boredom if misaligned.
- 3) Clear goals.
- 4) Focused attention with no concern for others’ worries.
- 5) Time fades; activity is autotelic (intrinsically rewarding).
Practical implications for programs: provide choices, progression, avoid stereotypes, encourage reflection on leisure importance, and offer opportunities for intellectual exploration and growth.
Identity and leisure: leisure can help form and affirm identity (identity formation/affirmation) as people adapt to aging and changing roles.
Whitbourne’s identity model (biopsychosocial): assimilation (minimizing incongruent experiences) vs accommodation (changing self-view); a balanced approach (identity balance) helps maintain adaptive aging.

Identity, Coping, and Buffer/ Coping Mechanisms

Identity and leisure: leisure can shape self-image (e.g., a rock climber who sees themselves as competent/adventurous); changing activities may require accommodation to preserve identity.
Identity balance: accommodating changes while maintaining engagement through alternative activities or perspective shifts.
Buffer and coping theory (Kleiber, Walker, Mannell, 2011): leisure contributes to well-being through two mechanisms:
- Social support via friendships and group activities.
- Sense of control and autonomy in choosing and shaping leisure.
The convoy model (Antonucci, 2001): social networks provide a protective base; convoy membership evolves but remains important across aging.
The social/cultural relevance of leisure: socioemotional selectivity theory links shrinking social circles with prioritizing meaningful relationships; leisure facilitates high-quality social ties.
The As and FFIGs model (Burdman, 1986):
- As (Aspirations): Acceptance, Appreciation, Affection, Achievement, Amusement.
- FFIGS: Fear, Frustration, Inferiority, Guilt.
- Coping involves seeking As, taking action (e.g., exercise), and talking about negative emotions with others.

Creativity, Generativity, and Lifelong Learning

Csikszentmihalyi & Kleiber (1991): leisure contributes to self-actualization; flow occurs when activities challenge and engage the individual in meaningful ways.
Generativity (Erikson, Medeiros; Meant to ensure continuity of self after death): sharing knowledge or skills, mentoring, and leaving a legacy.
Meant for older adults to maintain purpose through carving, poetry, teaching, mentoring, community service.
The MacArthur Study (Rowe & Kahn, 1998): successful aging comprises avoiding disease, maintaining high cognitive/physical functioning, and engaging with life; continued productive activity is key to meaningful engagement.
Lifelong learning and creativity: Vaillant (Aging Well) highlights play, creativity, and lifelong learning as core components of rewarding retirement, with a strong emphasis on play as a meaningful, liberating activity and lifelong learning through Elderhostels and other avenues.
Generativity and grandparenting: grandparents mentoring grandchildren illustrates generativity and the social transmission of knowledge and values; fosters intergenerational ties.
Liang (2011) on meaningfulness for retired Chinese elders: leisure without self-indulgence, social support, hobbies, and activities contributing to self-worth and growth.
Oerlemans, Bakker, and Veenhoven (2011) on happiness in retirement: more time spent in social, cognitive, and physical activities relates to greater happiness; more time on household tasks relates to less happiness; personality moderates effects (extraverts gain more from social activities; introverts less so).

Leisure Competency and Education

Leisure competency: to realize the benefits of leisure, individuals must develop competence — knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate in available activities.
Leisure education (Sivan & Stebbins, 2011): an all-encompassing approach to improving lives through value-based learning about leisure.
Components typically included in leisure education programs (Kim, Dattilo, Heo, 2011):
- Leisure awareness
- Leisure appreciation
- Leisure activity skills
- Knowledge of leisure resources
- Activity participation skills (e.g., decision making, social skills)
Four objectives of leisure education (Kleiber, 2012):
- Develop a repertoire of interests (diversify activities)
- Teach relaxation, reflection, and the ability to reject constant busyness
- Increase appreciation for leisure (art, music, culture)
- Use leisure to nurture community loyalty, engagement, and responsibility
The Leisure Education Content Model (Peterson & Gunn, 1984; Peterson & Stumbo, 2000): four components
- Leisure awareness
- Social interaction skills
- Leisure resources
- Leisure activity skills
A practical model (Tedrick, 1982): four stages
- Stage 1: Clarify attitudes toward leisure; explore its role; use tools like the Leisure Diagnostics Battery to assess attitudes, values, interests.
- Stage 2: Learn new leisure skills and activities; may be in segregated or integrated settings.
- Stage 3: Gather information about local leisure opportunities; build a resource list (e.g., Greenville’s central clearinghouse).
- Stage 4: Apply and adjust; plan, participate, and reassess leisure goals.
McDowell’s leisuress well-being framework (1978): four components
- Coping: managing boredom and guilt; avoiding “I can’t” compulsiveness.
- Leisure awareness and understanding: reflect on leisure’s role, value, excuses for inaction.
- Knowledge about leisure: breadth/balance, talents, interests, fitness, and how to pursue new opportunities.
- Assertion (leisure rights): seven rights, such as the right to do nothing, the right to be playful, and the right to self-expression.
Intervention example (Searle et al., 1995): 12-unit program to enhance leisure control and competence, including:
- What participants did, motives, components (physical/mental/social), self-assessment, adapting activities/equipment, barriers and solutions, goal setting, alternatives, support people, resources, community resources, reassessment.
Table of sources (Table 6.1: Some Sources of Activity Information) includes: Friends, Libraries, Museums, Health Clubs, YMCAs/YWCAs, Elderhostels, Travel Clubs, Churches, Bookstores, Newspapers, Radio/TV, etc.

Social and Community Benefits of Leisure

Leisure fosters social integration, social acceptance, social contribution, social actualization, and social coherence; evidence exists but is less robust than individual health outcomes.
Leisure supports development of social networks and friendships, which buffer life events and contribute to well-being.
Group activities, travel, volunteering, and community events help form bonds and a sense of community; examples include lakeside communities forming unique identities around leisure (McCormick, Hochschild).
Maynard & Kleiber (2005) propose leveraging leisure for civic engagement and community well-being: integrating leisure services with libraries, senior centers, intergenerational programs, and spaces for informal political discussion; fostering social capital among retirees.
Core activities (Kelly & Godbey, 1992): inexpensive, informal activities that sustain relationships, such as socializing, walking, reading, shopping.
Community-level leisure can mediate life events; social ties formed through leisure activities provide resilience.
The social outcomes of leisure align with the concept of “nonwork opportunities” leading to bonding, solidarity, and integration (Burch & Hamilton-Smith, 1991).
Retirement as a social transition: research indicates retirement is a mixed experience with substantial heterogeneity; many retirees report high satisfaction when they have meaningful leisure opportunities, social ties, and financial security (Bickson & Goodchilds, 1989; Butrica & Schaner, 2005; Vaillant, 2002).
Vaillant (Aging Well) emphasizes four activities linked to rewarding retirement: replacing lost workmates with new social networks; rediscovering play; seeking creativity; lifelong learning; highlights the importance of play and creativity for meaning in retirement.
Liang (2011) and Oerlemans et al. (2011) emphasize meaningful leisure in retirement: social and cognitive activities enhance happiness; personality moderates effects; extroverts benefit more from social leisure than introverts.
Overall message: healthy retirement and Ulyssean living are facilitated by play, creative engagement, social networks, and lifelong learning.

The Concept of Leisure Competency and Planning for the Future

Leisure competency involves more than access to opportunities; individuals must develop the skills and confidence to use leisure well.
The paradox: leisure may require work to achieve; free time arises with retirement but must be planned and managed.
The motto for leisure planning: "Plan your leisure, and leisurely go about your plan." – a parallel to the scuba motto: plan your dive, dive your plan.
The goal of leisure competency: enable individuals to select activities, exert control, and lead satisfying leisure lives that support Ulyssean living.
Practical: providers should tailor programs to individual needs, capacities, and interests; balance, customization, and ongoing evaluation are key.

Conclusion and Practical Implications

Definitions of leisure vary, but the consensus is that leisure significantly benefits physical health, mental health, social well-being, and overall quality of life in older adulthood.
Leisure can be a core platform for Ulyssean living, enabling ongoing growth, identity affirmation, social connectedness, and lifelong learning.
Leisure programs should emphasize autonomy, meaningful activity, social engagement, and opportunities for creative and generative contributions.
Retirement is a complex, variable process; leisure-based approaches can help individuals adapt, stay engaged, and live with purpose well into older age.

Key Equations, Numbers, and Formulas

Successful Aging framework:
\text{Successful Aging} = Health \times Meaningful\ Activity \times Being\ Needed \times Financial\ Security
Physical activity guidelines (CDC/NIH):
- Moderate: at least 150\ \text{minutes} per week, plus strength training at least 2\ \text{days} per week.
- Alternatively: vigorous: at least 75\ \text{minutes} per week, plus strength training at least 2\ \text{days} per week.
- For greater health benefits: at least 5\ \text{hours} of moderate activity per week, plus two days of strengthening.
The five components of a balanced fitness program:
1. Endurance activities (aerobic capacity)\n 2. Strength activities (muscle mass/metabolism)\n 3. Flexibility activities (limberness)\n 4. Balance activities (fall prevention)\n 5. Weight control/management (additional component per Teague 1987; National Institute on Aging 2001, 2007)
30 minutes of daily activity (Go4Life): can be broken into segments of 10 minutes: total daily endurance target.

Sources and References (Key Names and Works Mentioned)

Dychtwald & Flower (1989): Age Wave – leisure as a dominant national pastime for older adults.
Barrett (1989); Augustine (quoted on the nature of leisure).
Bernfeld & Fritsch (2006); TimeSlips Creative Storytelling (timeslips.org).
Lorriane, Reid-Arndt & Youngju (2010); Fritsch et al. (2009) – outcomes of creative storytelling and engagement.
Kleiber, Walker, & Mannell (2011) – intrinsic motivation, freedom, and leisure; flow; identity processes.
Csikszentmihalyi; Csikszentmihalyi & Kleiber (1991) – flow, self-actualization.
Stebbins (2001) – serious leisure; amateur/hobbyist/serious volunteer categories.
Onyx & Leonard (2007) – grey nomads; personal growth through travel.
Whitbourne (2002) – identity theory; assimilation/accommodation; identity balance.
Antonucci (2001) – convoy and social support in aging.
Rowe & Kahn (1998) – MacArthur Study of Aging in America; engagement with life as a component of successful aging.
Vaillant (2002) – Aging Well; play, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Medeiros (2008) – generativity and meaningful leisure; Mr. A case.
Maynard & Kleiber (2005) – citizenship, social capital, and community engagement via leisure.
Searle, Mahon, Iso-Ahola, Sdrolia, & van Dyck (1995) – leisure intervention program (12 units).
McDowell (1978) – Leisure Well-being: coping, awareness, knowledge, assertion.
Table 6.1: Sources of Activity Information (examples include Friends, Libraries, Museums, Health Clubs, Elderhostels, etc.).