Ageing and Leisure

Abstract

This research focuses on policy-makers whose agendas impact on the leisure needs of an ageing New Zealand population. It aims to test a hypothesis that such agendas impact negatively on provision for such needs. The theoretical approach is from leisure studies, sociology and social gerontology, although relevant psychological research is also drawn upon. The thesis discusses the development of leisure over time. The findings suggest that the ageing population does not have as many unmet leisure needs as might generally be thought, but that it would welcome an increase in the level of leisure policy-maker involvement in their leisure lives. The findings also suggest a willingness on the part of the leisure policy-makers to focus more deliberate energies on the leisure needs of the ageing population. Arising from an examination of the relationship between active engagement in later life and longevity, a tentative 'Theory of Ageing Actively' is posited.