Chapter 5: Leisure Across the Later Life Span 5 Leisure Across the Later Life Span Galit Nimrod and Megan C. Janke C H A P T E R

Leisure Across the Later Life Span: Key Points Use of theories to explain changes in leisure across the life course Leisure behavior changes across the later life span Meaning of leisure during later life Later-life transitions and leisure Leisure as a resource in coping

Life-Span Development Models Life-span development theory Life-course perspective Ecological systems theory

Life-Span Development Theory Highlights that individuals’ development is lifelong. Acknowledges that development occurs in multiple domains (e.g., physical, cognitive, social). (continued)

Life-Span Development Theory (continued) Highlights that individual development is multidirectional (e.g., experience gains and losses). Acknowledges that development is shaped by age, historical context, and life experiences.

For older adults, involvement in activities is strongly associated with well-being.

Life-Course Perspective A theoretical framework that focuses on the role of social events and phenomena in shaping individuals’ development Highlights the importance of the timing, context, process, and meaning of events

Ecological Systems Theory Theory that defines four levels of the environment that shapes individuals’ growth and experiences Explores microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem

Types of Research Into Leisure Across the Life Span Cross-sectional investigations Retrospective-based examinations Longitudinal research

Research on leisure in the later life span confirms the positive effects of staying active.

Cross-Sectional Investigations Studies that explore age-related differences of individuals by comparing age groups at a certain point in time Limited ability to draw causal conclusions

Retrospective-Based Investigations Studies that explore age-related changes in individuals by asking them to reflect upon their present circumstances and compare them with their past Considers individuals across their lives

Longitudinal Research Studies that examine actual change within and between individuals over time by repeating the same measurement with the same population (and even with the same group of individuals) Strong ability to suggest causality

Changes in Leisure Behavior With Age Decline in participation Shift from active to more passive leisure Shift from outdoor leisure to indoor activities Declined search for novelty

Associated with centrality of leisure in life. Activity involvement is associated with well- being. Meaning of leisure remains constant through adulthood. Leisure shifts from a goal to a means. Changes in Leisure Meaning With Age

Constraints to Leisure Factors limiting one's participation in desired leisure activities or the ability to benefit from such participation

Constraints to Leisure in Later Years Cultural-environmental Health-related Psychological Technical

Key Transitions in Later Life Retirement –Crisp –Blurred Widowhood

Table 5.1

Transitions and Coping Coping—process of accepting and adjusting to life transitions and negative life events.

Leisure and Well-Being Coping with widowhood Coping with health decline Despite association with well-being, most older adults decrease leisure