M. Rebecca Genoe

Leisure as resistance within the context of dementia

Older adults are at risk of experiencing ageism, which can have negative implications for their quality of life. When diagnosed with dementia, older adults may experience increased stigma due to memory loss. However, leisure can be a space for resisting dominant ideologies, and older adults may use leisure to resist ageist stereotypes, leading to feelings of empowerment. Since persons with dementia experience increased stigma, leisure may be a space to resist stereotypical notions of dementia. This paper explores leisure as a space for resistance and presents a research agenda for researchers to better understand the political nature of leisure within the context of dementia.

Older Men's Perceptions of Leisure and Aging

As the North American population ages, detailed research will be needed to understand the leisure experiences of older adults. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of leisure and aging among a sample of older Canadian men. Data were collected among 15 men aged 60–70 using individual interviews and follow-up focus groups. Data were analyzed thematically and four themes emerged: the interplay between leisure and work, the desire to “give back” to family or to the community through leisure, the individual purpose of leisure choices, and viewing constraints as a reflection of priorities rather than as barriers.

“I'm just like I always was”: a phenomenological exploration of leisure, identity and dementia

Both negative discourse surrounding dementia and changes that occur from an illness causing dementia can threaten identity. While research shows that identity remains in dementia, little is known about the role leisure plays in identity work in the dementia context. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of leisure in maintaining identity in early-stage dementia. Four participants with dementia living in the community participated in this interpretive phenomenological study. Through multiple interviews, participant observation and photovoice, conducted over several months with each participant, we found that while participants experienced many threatening assaults on identity, leisure served as an important space to uphold identity and remain engaged in life.

Meaning and experience of “eating out” for families living with dementia

Twenty-eight care partners and 27 persons living with dementia in the community participated in qualitative active interviews to provide their perspectives on the meaning and experience of eating out. Using grounded theory methodology, a substantive theory on eating out as a way of balancing life was developed. Two types of balance were identified: (1) environmental balance through spicing up life and minimizing demands and (2) social balance through binding glue and being part of a peer group. The many changes noted around dementia required families to adopt strategies to help achieve balance and support successful experiences eating away from home.

Physically active leisure and the transition to retirement: the value of context

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to explore the everyday experiences of physically active leisure during the transition to retirement. Twenty-five adults aged 47–66 who were recently retired or nearing retirement blogged during three different two-week sessions over one year and participated in follow up focus groups. Data were analysed using initial, focused, and selective coding. Findings provided insights into participants’ experiences of physically active leisure in the context of their everyday lives. First, increased freedom in daily schedules led to both appreciation for spontaneity and a desire for structure. Second, participants experienced new constraints related to the loss of social networks and work-related physical activity. Finally, participants described physically active leisure as being connected to meaningful outcomes such as enjoying the outdoors, stress-relief, or socializing with family and friends. Physically active leisure was described as one health priority among many and one of several healthy leisure alternatives.

Confronting ageism through therapeutic recreation practice.

Abstract Stereotyping based on age is one of the most tolerated forms of social prejudice in Canada. These discriminatory attitudes and assumptions have negative consequences on many aspects of life, including participation in leisure, particularly if these assumptions are internalized and accepted as reality. We consider the contributions of therapeutic recreation (TR) and TR practitioners in challenging ageism by advocating for a return to the roots of leisure, focusing on leisure’s potential to draw out individual strengths and abilities thereby resisting various forms of ageism through agency and action. We examine the field’s focus on biomedical outcomes and highlight how this paradigm serves to undermine opportunities for meaningful leisure experiences. We suggest ways by which a return to meaningful leisure in later life may enable older adults to resist discriminatory practices. We conclude by presenting a blueprint for TR practitioners that encompasses a broader, socially relevant scope of practice through self-reflection and action.

Breathing Easier? The Contradictory Experience of Leisure Among People Living with COPD

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to understand the lived experience of leisure in among people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Data were collected through interviews and photovoice with eight older adults who were living with the condition. Data were analyzed using phenomenological reflection. Findings revealed that the leisure not only contributed to breathlessness, but also provided an opportunity to cope with the illness over time and in the moment as breathlessness occurred. Leisure contributed to a life of meaning even with this debilitating condition. Findings are considered in relation to selective optimization with compensation.

Using our whole selves: our experiences with reflexivity while researching a community arts-based leisure program

ABSTRACT Although reflexivity is commonly used in qualitative research, how it is used is rarely acknowledged. Multiple definitions and approaches result in a lack of clarity regarding reflexivity. We actively engaged in a reflexive process as we explored the transition of an arts-based leisure program from public to private service provision. We journaled about our positions, thoughts, and emotions throughout the research process. We analyzed our journals through initial and focused coding. Emerging themes included the impact of our positions on the research, the impact of our experiences with the program on our research, role negotiation, emotions related to role blending, and challenges with reflexivity. We report our experiences with reflexivity and explore how it affected our collaborative research process. We offer several recommendations for researchers to consider when embarking on their own reflexive processes.

“At First I Couldn’t Catch My Breath”: Process and Strategies for Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

In this article, we describe the process and strategies that study participants living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in central Canada utilized to manage and live well with their illness and its associated symptoms. Drawing on interpretive phenomenology, we interviewed eight participants three times, followed by a member checking focus group and individual interviews. We analyzed interview transcripts using detailed line by line analysis. Our findings suggest participants engaged in a challenging process of recognizing that changes had occurred and then coming to terms with these changes by acknowledging the severity of their condition and the resulting limitations. Then, participants drew upon several strategies to minimize feelings of breathlessness, including taking care of themselves, managing risk, and altering behavior. Participants acknowledged the challenges inherent to this process, yet described how they were able to live well with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through their adaptations.

Meanings of participation in a leisure arts pottery programme

ABSTRACT Participation in creative arts programmes can have many benefits for both individuals and communities. Extant literature demonstrates that engagement in creative arts and crafts can enhance well-being, self-expression, and community involvement. Little research, however, has explored the meanings of participation in community-based leisure arts programmes in general; and there is a paucity of research investigating the meanings of participation in ceramics specifically. The purpose of this article is to explore the meaning of participation among students engaged in a community-based leisure arts pottery programme. Using a qualitative approach, we interviewed 14 pottery students to inquire into the meanings they attributed to engagement in pottery itself as well as being part of the community-based programme. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed through initial and focused coding and constant comparison. Meanings of participation in the programme included having a creative outlet; building social connections; and self-care and personal growth. Participants valued the process of creating pottery and developing their skills over the final product and appreciated the opportunity to build friendships outside of work and to be part of a community of potters. The findings support previous research regarding benefits of creative arts, provide insight into the meanings of engaging in pottery specifically, and highlight the need for recognition of the role of community arts programmes for individual’s well-being.