Chapter 1: Global Perspectives on Leisure and Aging Richard D. MacNeil and David L. Gould Chapter 1: Global Perspectives on Leisure and Aging

Global Perspectives on Leisure and Aging: Key Points Demography and associated variables Demographic transition theory WHO’s model of active aging Leisure opportunities commonly available to older adults in MDCs Conditions associated with development of opportunities for older adults in LDCs

Demography and Population Aging Demography—the statistical study of human populations, with particular reference to size, density, and distribution.

Demographic Variables Fertility rate Life expectancy Median age Absolute number of older people Proportion of older people

Fertility Rate Determined by dividing the number of live births in a given year per 1,000 women aged 15 to 49. Fertility rates are inversely related to population aging.

Leisure has the potential to contribute to longevity and quality of life.

Life Expectancy Refers to the length of time a person born in a particular year can expect to live. As life expectancy increases, so does the proportion of older people within the society.

Median Age This is the age at which half the population is older and half younger. An increase in median age is a clear reflection of a population that is aging.

Proportion of Older People Shows the relationship between the older population and the rest of society. An increase in the proportion of older people means a decrease in other age groups.

Demographic Transition Theory First stage—high mortality and birthrates Second stage—mortality rates drop Third stage—birthrates decline Fourth stage—low birthrates and death rates

Global Aging: MDCs More developed countries (MDCs) include North American and European countries, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. MDCs are experiencing continued population aging.

Global Aging: LDCs Less developed countries (LDCs) include countries in Asia (excluding Japan), Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Population aging will explode in the next 50 years.

Figure 1.1 Figure 1.1 Percent increase in population aged 65 and over for selected nations: 2008-2040.

Global Aging: Demographic Variables Total population Exponential growth Replacement rate Median age Life expectancy at birth

Table 1.1

Challenges of Population Aging Dependency ratio—the ratio of workers to retirees.

Leisure and Quality of Life Often different for young-old and old-old adults Increased importance placed by governments on happiness Regular, low-intensity activity Living a purposeful life (continued)

Leisure and Quality of Life (continued) Slowing down A sense of belonging to a broader community Investing deeply in one’s family

Leisure activities are more than idle diversion; they involve people in experiences that give meaning to their lives.

Active Aging Personal factors Social factors Behavioral factors Access to health and social services Physical environment Economic conditions

Leisure in Later Life in MDCs Educational experiences Travel and tourism Volunteerism and community service Exercise, fitness, and sport

Leisure in Later Life in LDCs Less time spent in retirement Less time spent in leisure activities during retirement

Figure 1.2 Figure 1.2 Model of prerequisites for meaningful leisure.