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

2. 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

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

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

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

12. 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.

13. Figure 1.1
Figure 1.1 Percent increase in population aged 65 and over for selected nations:

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

15. Table 1.1

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

17. 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)

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

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

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

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

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

23. Figure 1.2
Figure 1.2 Model of prerequisites for meaningful leisure.