Redeeming leisure in later life

Abstract

Successful aging has been defined in various ways. In this chapter, we will consider the more compelling of those perspectives and especially those that are more consistent with the visions of positive psychology. As with positive psychology, the protection and creation of happiness and well-being are critical aspects of most views on successful aging. Leisure-also a subject with many different interpretations-can be regarded as a context of relative freedom where opportunities for relaxation, enjoyment, and/or self-expression are typically sought. Role changes experienced in later life and the concomitants of failing health and diminished capacity create special circumstances for the appreciation and realization of leisure and for what Tornstam (Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive aging. Springer Publishing, New York City, 2005) has referred to as gerotranscendence, wisdom associated with abandoning striving and busyness. But engagement may also be reconstructed in later life around more intrinsically than extrinsically motivated purposes. Dialectics of change and continuity and engagement and disengagement are examined here in relation to principles of successful aging and positive psychology. Implications are drawn for services and opportunities for later life adults.