Older women's perspectives on leisure commitment for coping with chronic illnesses

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Leisure Studies
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Commitment to leisure is crucial for understanding older adults' behavior.
• Older adults' participation in specific leisure activities, such as Flow and Balance (FAB), exemplifies this engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how participation in Flow and Balance (FAB) contributes to coping with chronic illnesses among older women.
• To identify the key themes associated with committed leisure in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 11 older women participating in FAB.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify central themes.

Main Results:

• Six central themes emerged: overcoming adversities, investing personal effort, stages of a leisure career, health benefits and belongingness, developing a special social world, and centrality in life.
• Committed leisure engagement plays a pivotal role in successful aging.

Conclusions:

• Committed leisure, exemplified by FAB participation, is vital for older women managing chronic illnesses.
• Leisure engagement supports successful aging through multifaceted benefits, including health, social, and personal development.