Leisure is truly a universal human need. Every society, culture and region in the world has forms of entertainment and recreation designed to fulfill a wide range of needs. However, as people age many of their needs change, and thus their leisure and its functions change as well.( Kelly, 1982) This paper aims to demonstrate the ways in which leisure changes throughout a person's life cycle, and the ways in which its functions adapt them selves to the needs of a particular phase of a person's life.
[...] Before getting to that however, an analysis of the needs of each of the four groups will be essential to understanding changes in leisure throughout the life cycle. The first stage we will consider is childhood. As previously mentioned, the emerging values most closely associated with this phase by Erikson are purpose and industry.(Kimmel, 1990) At this stage in life, a person struggles to harmonize themselves with the elementary tasks and responsibilities expected of them. It is an age where one feels an intense urge to demonstrate the ability to be productive and purposeful in ones daily routines and activities.(Kimmel, 1990) Thus, as stated, the greatest need of this stage is the need to be productive and to demonstrate competence in basic tasks and roles.(Kelly, 1982) As we will see shortly, this greatly affects the purposes of leisure for this phase of the life cycle. [...]
[...] It provides valuable information which identifies the main motivations and causes for particular forms of leisure to be enjoyed, and also explains why some other forms are not. Olszewska, Anne.1989. Leisure and Lifestyle. London, UK: SAGE Publications.* This book deals with several lesser known considerations when studying the topic of leisure. Included in these are the socioeconomic conditions and their effects on leisure and the juxtaposition of work and leisure. Roadburg, Allan.1985. Aging: Retirement, Leisure and work in Canada. Toronto, Ont.: Methuen. [...]
[...] This is a textbook covering the aspects of aging and development and also features a section on leisure and how it ties into the life cycle. The book is more aligned with psychological aspects of aging than the sociological, but still provides much information on the nature of leisure in the life cycle. Kelly, John R Leisure. Toronto, Ont.: Prentice-Hall of Canada. This book deals with many of the same aspects of leisure covered in the sociology 365 class. The chapters which include information on leisure and the life course and the ecology of leisure may prove quite interesting. [...]
[...] The need for leisure is universal, and while its forms change to keep it relevant to the current challenges of each individual, its presence in the life of most human beings is quite constant. References Foner, Anne Age in Society. London, UK: SAGE Publications* This book deals with the social implications of aging as well as pointing out the potential conflicts that will face people from different age groups. The social aspect of age is emphasized, with several pertinent points on age differences being discussed. [...]
[...] The needs of this phase of the life cycle have already been stated as being the need for love and intimacy and the challenge to overcome isolation, and as we shall see, this tailors the type of leisure performed during this stage considerably. The fourth and final stage is old age. In this stage of development, a person's main needs and concerns revolve around care and the need for a sense of wisdom gained. Erikson explains that: [This stage] is brought on by a growing awareness of the finitude of life and of one's closeness to death. [...]
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