E-Leisure and Older Adults: Findings from an International Exploratory Study

Authors

  • Rebecca Genoe University of Regina
  • Cory Kulczycki University of Regina
  • Hannah Marston The Open University
  • Shannon Freeman University of Northern British Columbia
  • Charles Musselwhite Swansea University
  • Haley Rutherford University of Regina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2018-V52-I1-8417

Keywords:

Digital divide, e-leisure, gerontechnology, older adults, therapeutic recreation

Abstract

Although benefits of leisure and benefits of technology use overlap, how older adults use and perceive of technology use during their leisure time is not well understood.The purpose of this study was to explore e-leisure among older adults. This international exploratory study included 37 rural and urban-dwelling participants from Canada and the United Kingdom. Focus groups were facilitated to better understand participants’ perceptions of technology in later life. Data were analyzed using open and focused coding. Participants reported accessing leisure through technology, such as keeping in touch, engaging in games and hobbies, and supplementing offline leisure. Participants reported several drawbacks, including difficulty getting assistance from other people, challenges using and updating software, concerns related to privacy and security, and lack of confidence and interest. While technology appears to facilitate engagement in leisure for older adults, educational opportunities may be required to overcome the drawbacks of technology use. Implications for therapeutic recreation are considered. 

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Author Biographies

Rebecca Genoe, University of Regina

Dr. Rebecca Genoe is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies

Cory Kulczycki, University of Regina

Dr. Cory Kulzcycki is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies

Hannah Marston, The Open University

Dr. Hannah Marston is a Research Fellow in the School of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies

Shannon Freeman, University of Northern British Columbia

Dr. Shannon Freeman is Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing

Charles Musselwhite, Swansea University

Dr. Charles Musselwhite is Associate Professor in Gerontology at the Centre for Innovative Aging

Haley Rutherford, University of Regina

Haley Rutherford is a Masters student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies

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Published

2018-03-07

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Special Issue

License

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