We examined whether a 12-week leisure education program could promote leisure autonomy and leisure competence and reduce stress in older adults. Forty subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Before the experiment, pretest data were collected using leisure autonomy, leisure competence, and stress scales.…

There is a need to provide interventions that are of interest to older adults who are not inclined to participate in conventional exercise programs and that can improve balance and fear of falling. One purpose of this pilot study was to assess feasibility and acceptability of an eight-week (3x/wk, 90-minute sessions) multifaceted, small group,…

This study addresses the transfer of training to quality care practices among leisure services professionals who serve older adults by applying the Social Structure and Personality approach, a social psychology framework that accounts for layers of influence in that process. Multiple demographic and policy changes contribute to a need for a…

Older Asian immigrants experience a variety of challenges when attempting to adapt to life in a new society. Adjustment difficulties associated with cultural differences among older Asian immigrants and the host country may result in a certain levels of acculturative stress. This stress is negatively associated with health and quality of life. In…

Describes the uniqueness of older artists, showing how art fulfills the needs of the elderly in the areas of work, leisure, and self-expression. States that art also provides an avenue for providing social acceptance, a product for posterity, and a dream to work toward. Contains 11 photographs. (AEM)

Examined the effectiveness of leisure education for older adults having difficulty adjusting psychologically after a stroke. Participants received either an experimental home leisure education program (intervention group) or a friendly home visit (control group) after discharge from rehabilitation. The intervention group performed significantly…

The author describes her 12-hour course for older adults, entitled "Elderlife: A Time to Give--A Time to Receive." The course gives participants skills to identify what they want and need and to design a life-style in keeping with this information. (CH)

Time, or the lack thereof, is a central problem for most Americans. After fairly rare access to free time, retired people suddenly have too much time. Recreation and leisure service delivery to older persons is discussed. (MT)

Provides rationale and goals for senior citizen participation in recreation and outdoor education programs. Topics addressed include: creative use of leisure; social interaction; volunteer services; integration of age groups; and promoting social and emotional well-being. Implications for the future of leisure-centered living are also discussed.…

Purpose: This study examined changes in leisure activities of older adults over an 8-year period, and associated sociodemographic and health characteristics. Design and Methods: Data were from a longitudinal study conducted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 380 respondents were interviewed in-person in both 1985 and 1993. Changes in ten specific…

Research shows a relationship between older adults' leisure involvement and life satisfaction. Individuals who participate more frequently and in a greater variety of activities experience greater psychological well-being. The paper discusses successful aging and leisure participation, provides current definitions, and examines perceptions of…

High-quality leisure education programs for the elderly are few in number considering the size of the older population. Most existing programs are probably inappropriate for the elderly age group. Better perspectives and understanding on the part of leisure educators is needed. Leisure education programs for the elderly may become more plentiful…

This document contains an international collection of national position papers on leisure and aging. The following papers are included in the first section: "'Active' and 'Passive' Constructs of Elderly" (Max Kaplan); "Recreation and the Aged: A Review" (Helen J. Threlfall); "The Elderly in Bolivia"; "The Elderly…

Park and recreation curricula must include the special needs and interests of mature and older adult learners. The appropriate place of older students within curricula is explored from a philosophical perspective. Barriers to involvement are identified, and principles to facilitate the teaching-learning experience are discussed. (Author/MT)

This article explores the reaction of older adults to retirement, which may be viewed as a traumatic event or a continuation of mid-life leisure. Leisure counseling that facilitates personal growth may help in the adjustment process. (DF)