Aging and The Importance of Leisure

By: Reagan Lovig

Abstract

• The importance of leisure is something that should be stressed throughout everyone’s lifetime. The beauty of leisure is that it can be defined by the individual. Whether it is an active sport, a game of some kind, reading or writing, watching a movie, or even conversing with family and friends, leisure can exercise the body and the mind, and can help with the aging process at the same time.

Why I chose this subject…?I have always been quite active growing up. Both my Mom and my Grandmother (seen here in the picture, enjoying a glass of wine with me) have stayed very active throughout their lives, which always inspired me and drove me to find out more statistics on the subject. I am very passionate about personal health and believe that an active, leisure-filled lifestyle will provide a a strong mind and body throughout ones lifetime.

Definitions of Leisure• “Leisure can be accurately defined

as some measure of time from which a person is released from those responsibilities which normally or routinely pertain to the duties they are compelled to perform” (yourdictionary.com)

• “Is broader than recreation in that it may be used for other nonplay purposes” (Kraus, Barber, Shapiro. 2001)

• Freedom from engagement (brainyquote.com)

Types of LeisureAlthough there are various types of leisure, and can depend on the individual, I have split it into 2 categories: those that are generally more active, and those that are somewhat more inactive in nature.

#1•Yoga•Going to the gym•Running•Cycling •Rock climbing•Team sports (basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc.)•And a variety of others…

#2•Reading•Card and board games•Visiting with family and friends•Road trips•Sun bathing•Going to the movie theatre•And a variety of others…

Importance of Leisure/Recreation

• Peace of mind• Social benefits• Can boost confidence• Keeps one mentally sharp

“Recreation is of two types. Active recreation is about engaging in adventure sports or outdoor games while passive recreation involves activities such as taking a walk on the riverside, walking on the beach, strolling in parks or taking nature walks. Both kinds of recreation have their own set of advantages. They create a positive mood, lighten your spirits and help you gain mental peace” (buzzle.com, 2010).

Benefits for Seniors

• Physical – “Clearly, exercise is a wonderful tool for Ulyssean living. It will result in

increased health and well-being that is vital for a developmental approach to later life” (McGuire, Boyd, & Tedrick, 2009).

– Strength training can increase endurance– Builds metabolism– Reduces chance of diseases– Can increase life expectancy

Benefits for Seniors

• Social– Meet new friends even at an

older age– Hear of others’ stories– Constant encouragement– Friendly competition at any

age!– Can increase life expectancy

as well

• Mental- Keeps the mind sharp on

a regular basis- Improve sleeping- Can provide focus- Relieves boredom- Provides psychological well-being- Can increase life

expectancy!

ConclusionAlthough leisure has many definitions, and can pertain to the individual, there is one thing that all types of leisure have in common: constant benefits. These benefits can range from physical to mental, and also through social interaction. Leisure can keep senior citizens sharp and have the possibility of increasing their life expectancy. It is shown that leisure can assist in well-being and can include all types of benefits. Leisure activities should not only be enjoyed by seniors; rather, all age groups should find a leisure activity that will satisfy their needs that will ultimately result in a healthy lifestyle.

My 80’s action hero Sylvester Stallone at age 63

References

• Benefits of Leisure and Recreation. (2010). Retrieved on May 31, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Leisure-and-Recreation&id=1468218

• Define Recreation and Leisure. (2010). Retrieved on May 30, 2010, from http://www.yourdictionary.com/dictionary=articles/recreation-leasure-definitions.html.

• Definition of Leisure. (2010). Retrieved on May 30, 2010, from http://www.brainyquote.com/words/le/leisure184328.html.

• Kraus, R., Barber, E., & Shapiro, I. (2001). Introduction to leisure services: Career perspectives. Illinois: Sagamore Publishing

• McGuire, F.A., Boyd, R.K., & Tedrick, R.E. (2009). Leisure and aging: Ulyssean living in later life. Illinois: Sagamore Publishing

• Oak, M. (2010). Importance of Recreation. Retrieved on May 31, 2010, from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/importance-of-recreation.html

References CONT’D: Pictures• http://www.filmwad.com/fw_images/2009/01/26/sylvester-stallone-in-

shape-the-expendables.jpg• http://www.erams.ca/club/Chess/playing.jpg• http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VI3PAfT8ZsY/S7Py65D1QWI/AAAAAAAAAQU/

xBnp4yulyGg/s1600/girl-on-treadmill.jpg• http://www.the-directory.org/images/travel%20&%20leisure.jpg• http://www.sydney-australia.biz/nsw/north-coast/graphics/port-stephens-

nsw.jpg• http://drboycefinance.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/peace-of-mind1.jpg• http://hullstudent.com/files/minisites/2288/old_people.jpg• http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/480752560_23763eda8c.jpg