Using Leisure Services to Build Social Capital in Later Life: Classical Traditions, Contemporary Realities, and Emerging Possibilities

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to explore the social capital generating potential of public leisure services for retirees as well as those approaching retirement age. The meanings of leisure, community, and friendship in the writings of Aristotle are explored as a philosophical base for reconsidering the relationship between leisure and social capital, and also for establishing a point of embarkation for the expansion of community leisure services beyond their currently limited focus. A description of the emerging profile of retirees, especially those preparing for retirement, is presented, as well as how they may seek and engage leisure activity consistent with the Aristotelian conceptualization of community. We offer a series of re-orientations for leisure service practitioners that may accommodate aging citizens and nurture their activities in informal ways that strengthen citizenship and democracy.