Leisure and Ageing Well

Abstract

The world's population is ageing at unprecedented rates. Given the growth of the older adult population, it is not surprising that governments and policy makers in many regions throughout the world have been turning their attention to the implications of population ageing on social and economic development. More specifically, there has been much concern about the consequences of an ageing population on health care systems and costs and an emphasis on finding ways to help older adults age well. Leisure can play an important role in the ageing well process but, to a large extent, its role in healthy ageing is often overlooked by policy makers. This paper focuses on leisure in later life, particularly as it is related to notions of healthy ageing and ageing well. It summarises what we currently know about the role of leisure in later life. Although the relationship between leisure and ageing well is complex, the existing evidence is clear that leisure can provide meaningful opportunities for continued engagement in life—for being, becoming, and belonging (Renwick & Brown, 1996)—and is essential for ageing well. However, not all have equal access to leisure in later life, which can threaten the well-being of those who are marginalised in society. The paper also identifies some of the gaps in our understanding and concludes with a list of recommendations for future research on the role leisure can play in the ageing well process.