Experiencing Leisure in Later Life: A Study of Retirees and Activity in Singapore

被引:24
作者
Thang, Leng Leng [1 ]
机构
[1] Natl Univ Singapore, Dept Japanese Studies, Blk AS4,9 Arts Link, Singapore 117570, Singapore
关键词
Leisure; Life satisfaction; Retirement;
D O I
10.1007/s10823-006-9010-6
中图分类号
R4 [临床医学]; R592 [老年病学];
学科分类号
1002 ; 100203 ; 100602 ;
摘要
In a society faced with rapid aging and extended life expectancy, older persons in Singapore are just beginning to see retirement as a new era in their lives that can be quite different from the later life experiences of their own parents. Presenting an ethnographic case study of one of the first retiree activity centers in Singapore, this article will examine (a) how older persons cope with retirement, social, and cultural norms, and (b) the strategies older adults adopt in order to stay relevant in a fast-paced society. The ethnographic study shows that extrafamilial social support and opportunities for new experiences in learning and leisure contribute significantly to positive and active living in old age. Although the discussion of aging in Asia usually focuses on the problems of health, finances, and caregiving, the present study suggests the need for policy makers to pay equal attention to issues such as activity participation in old age. Participation in leisure activities may act as a preventive measure to delay the onset of aging-related problems, while at the same time enhancing life satisfaction among seniors.
引用
收藏
页码:307 / 318
页数:12
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