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Leisure Benefits and Activity Involvement of a Retired Older Adult: A Case Study on Leisure Education

Authors:
Leisure Benefits and Activity Involvement of a Retired Older Adult:
A Case Study on Leisure Education
John Ryan S. Villamor
2022
Background of the Study
Leisure is described from a variety of viewpoints, with many people defining it as free
time or consistent time. Numerous people use the term "leisure" in their daily lives; hence, the
term has a variety of meanings. The primary broad definition of leisure is "time or opportunity
for recreation or hobbies" (Collins Concise English Dictionary, 2004). However, according to
Haywood (1995), leisure is spoken as time left over from work. However, it may be questioned
what individuals consider to be work and what effect leisure has on those who are unemployed,
retired, or simply live work-driven lives. In spite of changing conceptions of leisure, the activity
provides a context for the development of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. It also provides
possibilities for us to experience enjoyment and prosper in our lives (Heyne & Anderson, 2012,
as cited in Dattilo, 2015).
Leisure education, according to Susan Hutchinson and Brenda Robertson (2012), is
education for, about, and in leisure. It is an old concept for recreation and leisure service delivery
with a fresh objective of developing individuals' leisure-related knowledge, skills, confidence,
and awareness in order to promote more participation, health, and well-being. Leisure Education
is a technique that helps a person obtain a deeper understanding of where, why, how, and with
whom he or she might enjoy leisure interests and experiences. Individuals are also assisted in the
development of diverse modes of leisure behavior that will allow them to adapt to the
environment and meet their leisure time needs (Leisure Education SRACLC, n.d.). It also helps
people identify leisure experiences that facilitate building happy, growth-filled, valued lives
(Carruthers & Hood, 2011, as cited in Dattilo, 2015).
The pillars of leisure education are utilized in this study to assess the leisure education of
those in the retirement stage. The leisure education pillars which will be identified in this study
are leisure awareness, self-awareness, and decision making. Leisure education (n.d.) explained
that “with the help of Leisure Awareness, people may better understand when and where they
can relax, as well as the various types of activities they can partake in. These include active,
passive, social and sports activities. The individual develops an appreciation for the numerous
advantages of leisure, particularly as a complement to his or her other activities and duties.
In leisure awareness, an individual is someone who: knows what leisure is, identifies a
variety of leisure experiences, describes the relationship of leisure to his/her life, relates the
relationship of leisure to the quality of his/her life and explains the relationship of leisure to
fabric of society (Mundy, J., & Odum, L. 1979)
As for Self- Awareness, knowing what you want to do for enjoyment, when you can do
it, and who you can do it with are all aspects of it. (Leisure education, n.d.)”. As for self-
awareness, an individual who: is satisfied with his or her leisure interest and its scope, whose
capabilities are compatible with his/her level of aspiration, identifies realistic leisure expectations
for self, identifies elements of quality leisure experiences for self, chooses leisure experiences
compatible with his/her values and can modify elements of leisure experiences to be more
compatible with his/her own expectations, interests, capabilities, etc (Mundy, J., & Odum, L.
1979)
Decision making skills can be learned through leisure education. Although decisions can
be made using either intuition or reasoning, a combination of both approaches is often used.
Whatever approach is used, it is usually helpful to structure decision making (Leisure Education
SRACLC, n.d.).The focus of leisure education for those in the retirement stage is leisure and
changing life situations. Under self- awareness, they use leisure to maintain a sense of
involvement and satisfaction. As for decision making, they choose from a multitude of leisure
choices, those most personally enhancing and enriching.
The retirement age in the Philippines is between 60 and 65 years old. Except for the
military, whose retirement is elective after 25 years of service while the government and the vast
majority of private companies accept early retirement at age 60 and mandate retirement at age 65
(Almendras, 2019). In the Philippines, the government is doing an excellent job of making
various leisure activities accessible or available to senior citizens. Such as establishing Senate
Bill No. 1265 and Republic Act No. 9994.
According to Republic Act No. 9994, senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled to a
number of privileges and benefits, some of which include a discount of twenty percent (20%)
and exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on the actual fare for land transportation, on the
actual fare for domestic air transport services and sea shipping vessels and the like, on the
utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants, and recreation
centers, and on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses,
leisure and amusement (AN ACT TO MAXIMIZE THE CONTRIBUTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS
TO NATION BUILDING, GRANT BENEFITS AND SPECIAL PRIVILEGES AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES, 2010). While Senator Sherwin Gatchalian introduced Senate Bill No. 1265,
popularly known as the Senior Citizens Free Movie Privilege Act. The bill mandates that all
senior citizens should have the special privilege of free admission or passes to any film of their
choosing, at any movie theater or cinema (AN ACT GRANTING SENIOR CITIZENS FREE
MOVIE PRIVILEGE, 2016).
In this study, the researcher will identify the leisure benefits and leisure activity
involvement of persons in the retirement stage. It’s crucial to watch how they spend their time in
leisure activities. Moreover, this study will identify how advantageous to have leisure activities
not only in the physical aspect but also in holistic wellness as an individual.
Significance of the Study
This study will contribute to the minimal evidence currently available regarding the
effect of Leisure education on the quality of life of older Filipino retirees. In addition, this
research can help leisure educators develop an understanding of the proper leisure education
program for senior Filipinos. The target demographic of this study, particularly elderly Filipinos,
can benefit from this research by learning and being made aware of the magnitude of the impact
leisure can have on their quality of life.
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the profile of the respondent in terms of:
1.1 Name
1.2 Age
1.2 Gender
1.3 Previous work
2. What is the definition of Leisure according to the respondent?
3. What are the different leisure activities of the respondent and how frequent doing this?
4. What is the importance of the different leisure activities of the respondent?
5. What are the benefits of the participant’s current daily routine?
Objective of the Study
The objective of this study is to determine the participant’s definition of leisure, leisure
importance, leisure benefits and leisure activity involvement of the respondent which is in the
retirement group and after the data gathering the researcher will suggests recommendations
based on the result of this study.
Review of Related Literature
Leisure Benefits and Involvement
Kim, J. et al. ( 2014) cited that this existing literature suggests that serious engagement in leisure
activities leads to happiness, life satisfaction, and successful aging among older adults. This
qualitative study was used to examine the benefits of serious involvement in leisure activities
among older Korean adults who were members of a sports club. Using an analytic data analysis,
we identified three main themes associated with the benefits of serious engagement in leisure
activities: 1) the experience of psychological benefits, 2) the creation of social support, and 3)
the enhancement of physical health. These themes indicate that, through serious involvement in
certain physical activities, participants gain various health benefits, which may contribute to
successful aging.
According to Jitian Li et al (2021) there are two types of linear and curvilinear relationships
between the degree of leisure involvement and leisure benefits, which makes the connection
between leisure involvement and leisure benefits deviate from the linearity in a particular
situation and present an inverted U-shaped or positive U-shaped relationship, which shows, when
the individuals are under- or over-volume leisure activities involvement, they will not create
excellent leisure benefits. In the end, the overall level of leisure involvement has a significant
positive effect on its leisure benefits. The positive promotion of leisure benefits by subjective
involvement levels is significantly higher than the objective involvement level, which means
strengthening individual internal needs and value recognition.
According to the study of Jovita S. Dela Cruz (2016) Physical activity participation and
perception of older adults living in a Philippine rural community, only 35% of the older adult
respondents from Pangil, Laguna achieved at least the minimum recommended level of physical
activity. Also, there is a higher percentage of male HEPA active older adults (10%) than female
(7%). On the other hand, there is a higher percentage of female older adults who are
insufficiently active ( male (51%). Moreover, results showed that respondents spend more time
sitting compared to doing physical activities. It is, thus, necessary to develop a community-level
physical activity program for older adults in Pangil, Laguna to help them increase their
participation in physical activity and achieve the minimum recommended level of physical
activity. On the other hand, respondents scored low on the perceived barriers survey indicating
that they do not perceive any critical barrier in continuing their participation in physical
activities. Associations were found between physical activity participation and the respondents'
perception of lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, lack of will power and fear of injury.
These factors are major concerns for those who have no reported physical activity. This shows
that, in general, development of a community-level physical activity program will not pose a big
problem since the respondents perceive minimal barriers in participating. However, time, social
influence, energy, willpower and risk of injury should be considered in the development of the
program to ensure encouragement of participation for those who have no reported physical
activity.
The Need for Leisure Education among the Retired and Elderly
Programmers in leisure need to be aware of the leisure needs of the aging population. This group
is the fastest growing minority population in the United States. By the year 2000, approximately
35 million Americans were 65 and older and by the year 2050, it is estimated that this group will
grow to 67 million (Allison & Geiger, 1993). There will be a greater demand on the health care
delivery systems by older adults in the near future. Services may take a different approach
towards health promotion and prevention to meet other needs such as adult education,
community recreation, arts, exercise, and travel programs. Being aware of the needs of older
adults will also influence programs and services such as leisure education. Changes in lifestyles,
social networks, health, living environment, and leisure patterns will need to be taken into
account as therapeutic recreation programmers provide services and programs.
Healthy Lifestyle
The concept of leisure has been identified as an important avenue for promoting healthy
lifestyles and activities. The leisure lifestyle of most people in our society evolves and develops
throughout the lifespan of an individual. Satisfactory and appreciated lifelong leisure that
becomes part of healthy lifestyles can enhance the perceived quality of one's life as it is
celebrated in both the community and the home. Kelly (1996) suggested that an individual's
leisure might have more impact on quality of life than any other area of behavior and experience.
Leisure has been seen as an effective way of fostering the quality of community and individual
life through recreational, cultural, and heritage activities oriented to people from childhood to old
age. One of leisure's most important dimensions is that of perceived freedom, demonstrated by
an individual's ability to choose participation in productive leisure experiences (Kelly). When
people want to be involved in leisure activities, they feel in control of the outcomes and are
therefore, more willing to participate. However, not all people understand the importance of
leisure, thus the need for leisure education and therapeutic recreation. Involvement in therapeutic
recreation increases life and leisure satisfaction and perceived quality of life (Leonard &
Serravillo, 1997). The profession of therapeutic recreation offers opportunities that enrich quality
of life, provides advocacy for access to leisure experiences, and assists clients in learning about
the positive use of leisure they deserve.
Types of Leisure Education for the Retired and Elderly
Engaging in leisure activities can help seniors lower their stress levels and reduce the risk of
depression. The more active aging adults are, the better their overall health will be. The study of
Zhang et al. (2017), explored the association between leisure participation and subjective well-
being and the role gender among elderly Chinese in Shanghai, China. The study finds four
distinct categories of leisure activities that older Chinese engage in actively: detachment-
recovery, aesthetic, social, and performing-arts activities. Social and performing-arts activities
are the most important for subjective well-being. Detachment-recovery activities are activities
like reading books or the newspaper, working out, and going to parks. Newman et al. (2014, as
mentioned in Zhang et al., 2017) found that these kinds of activities can help people mentally
separate themselves from work and regain their mental and physical resources. The second part,
which is Chinese calligraphy/painting and collecting/appreciating art, is called "aesthetic
activities". The third part is to hang out with other people and watch TV. These are sedentary
activities that involve some interaction with other people, so they are called "social activities."
And lastly, activities that have to do with the arts, like watching movies, singing/dancing, and
putting on an opera, are called performing-arts activities. While in the study of Pumpinyo &
Koocharoenprasit (2020), found that outdoor activities such as swimming, water walking, and
stretching were popular, while indoor activities such as muscular development, mental
development, massages, and spa treatments were in demand.
Butler (2020) suggested some leisure activities that elderly can do. First, online browsing and
gaming. They can stay updated with trends, news, and family and friends. As for online gaming
it can boost a senior's cognitive health and memory. Second, joining a book club allow members
to socialize and keep the mind busy. Reading improves elderly overall health. Third, walking on
a treadmill or around the neighborhood weekly can help them stay healthy. Walking helps her
reduces weight, regulate blood pressure, and manage stress. Another leisure activity that they can
do is watching movies. Movies increase brain health, boost short-term memory, and reduce the
risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. And lastly, gardening, which will enhance your loved one's
hand-eye coordination and sun exposure, will provide vitamin D for bone health.
Mental Health and Leisure Activity
The emerging evidence suggests that older adults seek to sustain their mental health through
physical activity (Callow et al., 2020). In their North American study, Callow et al. (2020)
reported a significant inverse association between physical activity levels and indicators of
depression under the COVID-19 in older adults (age range = 60 to >90 yrs.). The leisure-time
physical activities for their mental health wellbeing ranged from walking outside and aerobics
(light, moderate, and vigorous) to strength exercises. Age cohort differences were that the
middle-old (7079) and older-old (8089) cohorts derived mental health benefits from engaging
in leisure time physical activity than the young-old (6069) and oldold (90+) cohorts.
Jeong and Park (2020) investigated the relationship between leisure activities, depression, and
quality of life among community-dwelling elderly Koreans. Exploration and participation in
leisure activities were significantly associated with depression and life satisfaction among the
elderly. While social, emotional, physically active, and productive leisure activities have a
positive effect on depression and quality of life, these pursuits have a positive impact on mental
health.
In a study by Carriedo et al. (2020), older adults (Age = 65.5 ± 5.1; range = 6092 years)
reported mental health benefits from consistent engagement in moderately vigorous to vigorous
leisure-time physical activity with COVID-19 restrictions. Regular engagement in leisure-time
physical activity led to high scores in mental resilience.
METHODOLOGY
Study Design
The design selected for this research study was qualitative using interviews. Qualitative research
provides an understanding of a situation or phenomenon that tells the story rather than
determining cause and effect (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2003; Glesne, 1999). Specifically, the study
focused on the older adult's leisure activity involvement and leisure benefits. The data collection
techniques used in this study consisted of interviews and documentation.
Sample
Gile et al. (2015) described a purposeful sample as participants with significant traits and
information necessary for investigating the phenomenon. Yin (2018) recommended using
triangulation, including in-depth interviews, to convey a convergence of evidence required for an
exploratory case study design with a small sample population. The researcher used convenience
sampling (relative). The respondent's profile is a 72 years old female, former government
employee, and now taking care of her grandchildren and doing household chores.
Instruments
It is vital to identify the research instrument in this study. Ary (2010) stated that qualitative
research's most common research instruments are observation, interview, and document analysis.
The researcher used a survey questionnaire and interviews to collect the data in this study.
Procedures
The data collection process for this case study will consist of conducting semi-structured, virtual
interviews using the questions listed in the statement of the problem. The researcher will conduct
interviews that answer the stated problem in this study; the demographic profile, definition of
Leisure, the different leisure activities of the respondent and her frequency to do this and how it
is essential, and lastly, the leisure benefits on the respondent's current routine. Interviewing
involves asking questions and getting answers from participants to collect the data.
Furthermore, the respondent will use a semi-structured interview, which is the area where
questions are prepared. Still, the interviewer may freely add several questions that have not been
scheduled yet during the interview process.
The procedures for collecting data are written below:
1. Giving documents that will assess the respondent's leisure education. (The researcher will
encode all the data from a virtual interview of the participant)
2. I formulated the interview guideline to prepare an interview with the respondent about
leisure benefits and leisure activity involvement.
3. Conducting a virtual interview with the respondent to identify her leisure benefits and
leisure activity involvement.
4. Collecting the data gained from the documentation and interviews.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is a crucial component of qualitative research. Data from qualitative studies are in
an unstructured format, and there is often a large quantity, which makes analyzing and
interpreting the data challenging for the novice researcher (Urquhart & Fernandez, 2016). Data
analysis must address the research question sequentially and logically (Yin, 2018).
Data collection and analysis provided answers to the following research questions: (1) What is
the most likely definition of Leisure according to the respondent? (2) What are the different
leisure activities of the respondent, and how frequently do this? (3) What is the importance of the
different leisure activities of the respondent? (4) What are the leisure benefits of doing your
current daily routine?
Once the data has been collected, the results will be treated through thematic analysis. Thematic
analysis is a qualitative data analysis method that involves reading through a data set (such as
transcripts from in-depth interviews or focus groups) and identifying patterns in meaning across
the data to derive themes (Delve et al., 2020)
Results
These are the following data gathered using the survey questionnaire.
Table 1: Different leisure activities of the respondent and its frequency.
Common Leisure Activities
(from Morning to Evening)
Always
Often
Sometimes
Seldom
Never
Preparing Breakfast
X
Taking Bath
X
Gardening
X
Doing household chores
X
Watching TV/Netflix/YouTube
X
Napping
X
Tik Tok
X
Zumba
X
Relaxing
X
As displayed in table 1, the participant list down all her leisure activities that commonly
happen in every day. Based on the participant; taking bath, gardening, napping and
relaxing are her most frequent leisure activities. Furthermore, in Often we have the
preparing for breaksfast, doing household chores and zumba, while in Sometimes we
have watching TV/Netflix/Youtube and Tiktok.
Table 2: The importance of different leisure activities of the respondent
Activities
(from Morning to Evening)
Important
Preparing Breakfast
Taking Bath
X
Gardening
Doing household chores
X
Watching TV/Netflix/YouTube
Napping
X
Tik Tok
Zumba
X
Relaxing
X
In this table, taking bath, doing household chores, zumba and relaxing are considered as
important while, the participant said that these activities are somewhat important;
preparing breakfast, gardening, watching TV/Netflix/Youtube.
Table 3: Leisure Benefits Scale: Please check 5 if you are strongly agree, 4 if you agree,
3 if you are moderately agree, 2 if you are slightly agree and 1 if you are disagree to the
benefits listed below.
Benefits
5
4
3
2
1
Health benefits:
1. Leisure activities can increase physical strength
and exercise physical fitness
X
2. leisure activities can help improve healthy physical
fitness
X
3. leisure activities can prevent or control diseases
X
4. Leisure activities can eliminate fatigue and restore
physical strength.
X
Emotional benefits:
1. Participating in leisure activities can relax tense
emotions
X
2. Participating in leisure activities can enhance
psychological satisfaction
X
3. Leisure activities can ease the pace of life
X
4. Leisure activities can dispel life boredom.
X
Social benefits:
1. Leisure activities can strengthen the connection
between my friends and me
X
2. Leisure activities help to meet new friends
X
3. Participating in leisure activities helps to establish
interpersonal relationships
X
4. Participating in leisure activities can increase the
connection with others.
X
In table 3, the participant strongly agrees that a leisure activity gives health benefits to her.
Moreover, she also agrees that leisure activities have emotional benefits and social benefits
for her.
Discussions and Analysis
This study aims to know the leisure activity involvement and leisure benefits of older adults. The
findings of this research will be grouped in four clusters: participant's definition of Leisure,
leisure activities and involvement, the importance of Leisure, and leisure benefits.
Leisure Definition
Leisure is a Hobby
In our everyday life, doing what you love makes you motivated throughout the day. Making time
at least every day for our hobbies makes us more functional and happy. According to Moore
(2008), a hobby is an activity that a person does in their free time. People have hobbies for
pleasure. A person's hobby is usually connected to what they enjoy. As the participant
mentioned “Ang leisure kasi ito diba yung ginagawa mo kapag wala ka ng trabaho o gawain sa
bahay, kumbaga “free time” mo ito para gawin yung mga gusto mo katulad sakin mag dilig ng
halaman, mag picture minsan, makipag kulitan sa mga kasama sa bahay, tapos minsan pinag
titiktok pa nila ako.” Therefore, based on the participant's perspective, Leisure is about doing
what you love hobbies.
Leisure Activities and Involvement
Active but Needs Improvement
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as an older adult, regular physical
activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent or delay
many health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow more vital to
keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.
The participant listed her different leisure activities from morning to evening based on the survey
questionnaire. The "most frequent" leisure activities of the participant focus on light intensity
activities such as taking a bath, napping, gardening, and relaxing. According to Nikki Prosch
(2018), a health & physical activity field specialist, some examples of light physical activities
include: walking slowly (i.e., shopping, walking around the office), sitting at your computer,
making the bed, eating, preparing food, and washing dishes. Given the participant's age, which is
seventy-two (72) years old, the researcher assures that the participant can do at least moderate-
intensity activities for better benefit and involvement. Moreover, another reason why the
researcher assures that the participant can improve her involvement for the reason that she
mentioned the following factors;
Overwhelming Chores
“Kapag sobrang daming gawaing bahay katulad ng paglalaba at paglilinis minsan pinapahinga
ko nalang yung free time ko kasi napagod ako sa mga gawain ditto sa bahay.”
Health Concerns
“Kapag may sakit minsan katulad ng rayuma bali hindi ako masyado nakakagalaw kaya nag
papahinga lang ako.”
Global Pandemic
“Itong pandemic, kasi dati nakakalabas ng maluwag pero ngayon yung mga gawain lang ay
kalimitan sa loob lang ng bahay, mabuti na ang sigurado diba.”
Furthermore, CDC also stated that aged 65 and older need at least 150 minutes a week (for
example, 30 minutes a day, five days a week) of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk
walking. Alternatively, they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as
hiking, jogging, or running. At least two days a week of activities that strengthen muscles. On
this basis, the current leisure involvement of the participant is low and needs to be improved.
Leisure Importance
Kills Boredom
Boredom can be serious to older adults' health. According to Kay Jurica from Home Helpers
Home Care of Kankee and Frankfort, "While boredom makes most people lethargic, it can have
even greater consequences for seniors." Moreover, "even to the point of being life-threatening."
A leisure activity helps eradicate boredom; while you are doing what you love, it gives a feeling
of satisfaction. The participant mentioned that “Mahalaga ito (leisure activities) kasi parang
nalilibang din ako na hindi panay gawaing bahay lang ginagawa ko.”. Since older adults are
commonly retired from their occupations, doing leisure activities gives them a sense of self-
fulfillment even though they are in the vicinity of the home, which makes them happy and
healthy.
Leisure Benefits
Recreational and different leisure activities play an essential role in improving older adults'
cognitive and emotional well-being. Any physical and Leisure activities convert into a
therapeutic activity that strengthens social well-being, benefits their mental health, and increases
physical health, which is vital to older adults' holistic health and happiness. In this study, the
participant cited different benefits of leisure activities regarding health, emotion, and social
aspects.
Health Benefits
“Mahalaga sya sa katawan lalo na yung pagzuzumba ko kasi na iistretch ang katawan ko at
pinagpapawisan medyo alalay nga lang kasi matanda na pero nakakatapos naman ako ng
zumba siguro 20-40 mins pero may pahinga yun syempre kasi nakakapagod kapag tuloy-tuloy.”
Based on the result of table 3, the participants strongly agree that leisure activities increase
physical strength and exercise physical fitness, help to improve physical fitness, prevent control
diseases, eliminate fatigue, and restore physical strength.
Older adults have a positive relationship between leisure activity engagement and health-related
outcomes (Buettner & Fitzsimmons, 2002; Plonczynski, 2000). Prior research has provided
evidence that leisure activity involvement is associated with a reduced risk of disease and
chronic illnesses (Grove & Spier, 1999), improved physical strength and functions (Skelton,
Young, Greig, & Malbut, 1995), and increased muscle strength and joint flexibility (Hellman,
1997; Plonczynski, 2000).
Emotional Benefits
“Kapag nag leleisure ako kagaya ng pagtatanim at pag aalaga ng halaman parang gumagaan
yung pakiramdam ko parang masaya ka kasi nakikita mo yung mga halaman mo maganda at
may bulaklak kaya sumasaya ako kapag ginagawa ko ito”
In table 2, the participant agrees that participating in leisure activities can relax tense emotions,
enhance psychological satisfaction, ease the pace of life and dispel boredom.
Through leisure activity, researchers have found that older adults reported that they experienced
positive psychological and mental health aspects, such as happiness, enjoyment, and positive
emotions and feelings (Buettner & Fitzsimmons, 2002; Heo & Lee, 2010).
Social Benefits
Kapag free time ko din nakikipag usap ako sa mga tao dito sa bahay, tapos minsan dumadalaw
yung ibang mga kamag-anak edi kwentuhan kung ano ang mga nangyayari kasi kahit papaano
nag iingat parin at may virus pa tayo. Nakaka tuwa rin kasi nalalapit tayo sa mga kamag-anak
natin at sa ibang tao kapag nakikipag usap o gumagawa ng mga gawain kasama sila.
Based on the third table, the participants agrees that leisure activities strengthen the connection
between my friends, family and me, helps to establish interpersonal relationships and increase
connection with others.
Substantial research has suggested that older adults who actively express an attachment to certain
activities have a strong desire to maintain their involvement and create social and emotional
connections with other participants who have similar interests (Siegenthaler & O'Dell, 2003;
Stebbins, 2001). For example, Benjamin, Edwards, and Bharti (2005) analyzed predictors of
older adults' leisure activity intentions and behaviors. He found that older adults involved in
activities seriously were likely to have a stronger intention to maintain their involvement than
those not involved in a severe manner.
Conclusions
This qualitative case study aimed to identify the leisure activity involvement and leisure benefits
among older adults. The participant is seventy-two years old and a retiree from government
office. In this study, the researcher found out that the participant's definition of Leisure is about
doing hobbies and interests that she loved. The participant is active in her leisure activity based
on her listed activities in table 2; however, light-intensity activities are frequently listed. The
participant stated that it is essential to have leisure activities as this concern helps her cope with
boredom while always being inside the house. Lastly, the participant strongly agrees that leisure
activities have health benefits and agree with the positive effect of Leisure on emotional and
social life.
Recommendations
This case study highlighted the participant's perspective on the definition of Leisure, her leisure
activities and involvement, and the importance of Leisure and its benefits. The participant should
continue doing her leisure activities like gardening, doing household chores, and watching
movies. Moreover, the researcher suggests that the participant be more involved in physical
activities like brisk walking, light jogging, Zumba, aerobics, or light sports, as she is already
familiar with some of these activities. Since we are still in the pandemic, some leisure activities
are limited to them as they are vulnerable to the virus.
The researcher also recommends that at least every family member be involved in leisure
activities. This study found that family interaction plays a massive role in older adults' emotional
and social benefits. Additional qualitative research similar to that presented here may give
greater insight into how older adults are involved in leisure education. Future research on this
concern with a more significant number of participants might contributes new and more
comprehensive data that address the problems or needs of an older adult in leisure involvement
and benefits that were not being met or solved in this case study.
Documentations
Screenshots of the virtual interview of the respondent that was done thru messenger video
conferencing. In this set-up, the researcher interviews the respondent virtually and input all
needed data to the study.
Summary of Transcript (Interview)
Researcher: What is your most likely definition of Leisure?
Respondent: Ang leisure kasi ito diba yung ginagawa mo kapag wala ka ng trabaho o gawain sa
bahay, kumbaga “free time” mo ito para gawin yung mga gusto mo katulad sakin mag dilig ng
halaman, mag picture minsan, makipag kulitan sa mga kasama sa bahay, tapos minsan pinag
titiktok pa nila ako. Minsan din kapag wala ng dapat gawin eh nanunuod nalang ako ng tv at
natutulog, parang siesta ba, ganon.
Researcher: What are your different leisure activities of the respondent and how frequent
doing this?
Respondent: Madami eh katulad nga ng pagdidilig ng halaman, araw araw ko yung ginagawa
kasi ayokong mamatay mga halaman ko tapos manuod ng tv palagi ko rin itong ginagawa kasi
nakakalibang sya, nag eexercise din ako minsan nanonood sa youtube ng mga zumba pero hindi
araw-araw, tapos natutulog kada hapon kasi nga siesta, tapos nakikipag usap sa mga kasama sa
bahay araw araw.
Affecting Factors According to the Respondent
Kapag sobrang daming gawaing bahay katulad ng paglalaba at paglilinis minsan
pinapahinga ko nalang yung free time ko kasi napagod ako sa mga gawain ditto sa bahay.
Kapag may sakit minsan katulad ng rayuma bali hindi ako masyado nakakagalaw kaya
nag papahinga lang ako.
Itong pandemic, kasi dati nakakalabas ng maluwag pero ngayon yung mga gawain lang
ay kalimitan sa loob lang ng bahay , mabuti na ang sigurado diba.
Researcher: What are the different leisure activities of the respondent and how it is important?
Respondent: Ayun nga pag aalaga ng halaman, panonood ng tv, tiktok minsan, youtube nag
zuzumba, at nag papahinga umiidlip. Mahalaga ito kasi parang nalilibang din ako na hindi panay
gawaing bahay lang ginagawa ko. Siguro yung hindi mahalaga ayun yung kapag sobra na
katulad ng sobrang kakapanood ng tv kahit may gagawin ka na yung mga ganon basta kapag
ginagawa ko yung leisure activity ko dapat tama lang din hindi sobra sobra sa oras.
Resercher: What are the leisure benefits of doing your current daily routine?
Mahalaga sa health
Mahalaga sya sa katawan lalo na yung pagzuzumba ko kasi na iistretch ang katawan ko at
pinagpapawisan medyo alalay nga lang kasi matanda na pero nakakatapos naman ako ng
zumba siguro 20-40 mins pero may pahinga yun syempre kasi nakakapagod kapag tuloy-
tuloy.
Emotion
Kapag nag leleisure ako kagaya ng pagtatanim at pag aalaga ng halaman parang
gumagaan yung pakiramdam ko parang masaya ka kasi nakikita mo yung mga halaman
mo maganda at may bulaklak kaya sumasaya ako kapag ginagawa ko ito
Social
Kapag free time ko din nakikipag usap ako sa mga tao dito sa bahay lalo na sa mga apo
kasi inaalagaan ko rin, tapos minsan dumadalaw yung ibang mga kamag-anak edi
kwentuhan kung ano ang mga nangyayari kasi kahit papaano nag iingat parin at may
virus pa tayo. Nakaka tuwa rin kasi nalalapit tayo sa mga kamag-anak natin at sa ibang
tao kapag nakikipag usap o gumagawa ng mga gawain kasama sila.
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Book
How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education provides a comprehensive introduction to educational research. The text covers the most widely used research methodologies and discusses each step in the research process in detail. Step-by-step analysis of real research studies provides students with practical examples of how to prepare their work and read that of others. End-of-chapter problem sheets, comprehensive coverage of data analysis, and information on how to prepare research proposals and reports make it appropriate both for courses that focus on doing research and for those that stress how to read and understand research. The authors' writing is simple and direct and the presentations are enhanced with clarifying examples, summarizing charts, tables and diagrams, numerous illustrations of key concepts and ideas, and a friendly two-color design.