Recreation, Leisure, and the Life Course: Adults and Seniors HPR 200 Spring 2011

Adult Trends Rec professionals must understand needs Midlife crisis – Fear advanced aging (anxiety, depression, regret,) Life expectancy Holistic approach Leisure Education Growth Trends of Age Groups

Young Adults Physically most healthy Cognitively – more reflective, deeper thinking Rise in the number of singles/cohabitation Confidence and optimism* Reflection** Active Risks

Generations Baby Boomers – – largest segment of society – 1/3 of nation’s population Generation X – Echo Boom –

Middle Adults 40’s-50’s Transition begins around Show signs of aging Disease risk increases Adjusting to change Illusion of youth Balanced life Career changes

Senior Adults Early Seniors - 60 to mid-70s Seniors – 75 and up Ageism – Discrimination based on age Not necessarily Feeble Cranky Stereotypes

Aging Theories Not a theory – Successful Aging depends on care of the mind and body – Old as you feel Activity theory – Substitute roles and activities Disengagement theory – Withdrawing to reflect – preoccupation with self Attribution theory – underlying cause of everyday occurrences – Dispositional or Environmental

Recreation and Older Adults Physical fitness – Exercise most important for seniors Leisure education - Broaden perspective – Redefine leisure Retirement planning - Role-Defining, Legal and Financial planning, Health and Welfare, Cont Ed and Leisure

Reminiscence Exceptionally happy moment – Recall positive experiences Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch

In Home Recreation Take services to the homes Hobbies / Crafts Table Games / Cards Special Interests Alternative to watching TV, sleeping, being idle Increased need due to delaying institutional care