Leisure’s relation to older adults adapting to new homes: A scoping review

Abstract

As the global population ages, older adults may move to new homes, experiencing changes in their social and physical environments. Leisure has been linked to adjusting to these changes by promoting maintenance of identity and socialization. The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize literature regarding leisure’s relation to older adults’ adaptation to new homes. Findings suggest leisure is linked to adaptation to new homes by providing a sense of continuity, belonging and connection. Additionally, the physical, institutional and social environments of the new home can facilitate or hinder leisure participation. This review adds to the discussion of leisure’s inter-relationships with sense of home and identity of older adults moving to new homes. This review suggests practitioners, residence planners and policy makers can develop strategies that help older adults maintain social networks and leisure opportunities following transitions into new environments. This review identified gaps and areas for future research.