Leisure and COVID-19: reflections on Brazilian older adults who frequent urban public parks

Abstract

This qualitative research analysed how the pandemic caused by COVID-19 influenced the leisure of older adults who frequent urban public parks in a city in southern Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with 23 older adults, 16 women and 7 men (≥60 years old), who frequented urban parks before the beginning of the pandemic. The interviews were specifically designed for this research and addressed (a) the participants’ perspectives on the concept of leisure; (b) the influence of COVID-19 on leisure and (c) leisure events and activities during the pandemic. The data was analysed using the content analysis technique. The participants reported that their leisure was affected by COVID-19, mainly due to pandemic-related restrictions which make social, cultural, touristic and physical activities unfeasible and reduced their leisure participation in urban public parks. Furthermore, findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the freedom and autonomy of older adults, and increased inequality, fear and lack of time, resulting in greater leisure constraints. With more time at home and in contact with friends and family, albeit virtually, leisure has been re-defined, denoting different and important configurations for older adults.