Acting their age?: an exploration of images of ageing and leisure

Abstract

The freedom of older people to lead full lives in their later years may be constrained by the negative discourse on ageing (or ageism). Negative images of ageing, that depict it as a time of increasing debility and decreasing choice, contain the danger of being internalised by the older person and becoming self-fulfilling prophecies. The discourse on leisure has been suggested as a means of challenging the dominant discourse on ageing by Wearing (1995). This thesis examines the impact of images of ageing and experiences of leisure through the perceptions of a small group of older persons. The study used in-depth interviews. The participants' perceptions of the dominant discourse on ageing appeared more positive than that suggested in the literature. Possible reasons for this are discussed; including the significance of the perceived locus of control of the participants and changes in the discourse on ageing. The findings indicate that the discourse on leisure needs to be redefined to reflect the experiences of older persons. Productivity, achievement, the desire to help others, and a wish to be challenged were some of the elements they sought in leisure. Leisure appeared to contribute greatly to the participants' self-images. Of critical importance to leisure experience was freedom of choice and the feeling of control it gave the participants over their lives. Leisure does offer the older person an avenue by which she or he can challenge the discourse on ageing. This thesis has added to the leisure studies knowledge on the older person's experience of leisure and its ability to challenge ageism. The task for leisure planners and providers is to acknowledge and act upon the different ways in which leisure is experienced by older people. Opportunities for older people should be targeted that enhance their sense of competence and perceived control.