Robert O. Ray

The activity involvement of women and men in young and middle adulthood: A panel study

Abstract In a secondary analyses of a 36‐year panel study of 267 Euro‐American women and men, this research examined gender differences in (a) the frequency of individuals’ involvement in discretionary or free‐time activity in young and middle adulthood, (b) change in activity involvement between young and middle adulthood, and (c) predictors of activity involvement in young and middle adulthood. Activity involvement included participation in recreational, formal and informal educational, and voluntary (club and organizational) activities. Results of this panel study suggest both change and continuity in activity involvement with age. Results also indicate that gender distinguishes patterns and predictors of participation in discretionary activity.

Older Adult Happiness

Activity theory suggests that happiness in later years is contingent upon high levels of activity to replace roles lost in the aging process. The number of activities, however, may be less important than the meaning of activities and the level of commitment on the part of the participating older adult. In an examination of this concept, 120 adults 55 years of age and older were interviewed to determine the effects of activity repertoire and/or commitment upon their life happiness. Results indicate that happiness was strongly related to intesity of commitment in small number of activities. Happiness was not strongly related to the number of activities pursues. Further, activities with work-like qualities were more satisfying than any other activities.

Examining motivation to participate in continuing education: an investigation of recreation professionals.

ABSTRACTConsiderable research exists describing recreation users and participants but little is available to examine those who deliver the leisure service. This study examined reasons why therapeut...

Life satisfaction and activity involvement: implications for leisure service.

ABSTRACTOne hundred twenty-four subjects, 65 years of age or older, were stratified by race, sex and geographic location (urban, suburban, rural) according to census tracts of the State of Maryland...

Landscape ecology practice by small scale river conservation groups.

Abstract River–floodplain systems, and riparian forests in particular, offer physical contributions to human society such as flood mitigation and the maintenance of water quality, social benefits including the opportunity for recreation and solitude, as well as numerous ecological services. However, midwestern USA river landscapes have undergone much land-use change over time, such as widespread logging, the net loss of grasslands and wetlands, urbanization pressure, and increases in anthropogenic sedimentation. With its focus on spatial and temporal changes, landscape ecology is ideally suited to assess and quantify these riverlands modifications and it is currently used at the national, state, and sub-state level in efforts to restore or manage river and riparian landscapes. This two-part study explores the use of landscape ecology in smaller scale river conservation. First, we interviewed five locally-based, Midwestern non-profit conservation groups that were accomplishing significant river conservation and management work without intricate ecological plans. We found a tacit knowledge of fundamental landscape ecology concepts, and active interpretation to fit particular environmental situations. The groups were receptive to increased assistance from academic ecology, but the content must be clear, succinct, and easily integrated into frontline initiatives. To accomplish this goal, effort is needed from ecologists to construct new methods of delivering such information in an accessible and cost-effective manner. Second, we briefly explore land-use scenarios — based on realistic forest management agendas along the Wisconsin River (USA) — as one possible means of using applied science to assist local conservation efforts in prioritization of land parcels. Various land management scenarios to reinstate floodplain forest often produced similar improvements in metrics of landscape connectivity but differed markedly in the number of landowners affected.

Literary Discussion with Older Adults: An Educational Perspective.

Adults in later years of life continue to have educational needs and concomitant abilities to learn. Most diversionary programs do not fulfill those needs. The purpose of this study was to examine participation by older adults in a literary discussion group. The program was conducted with a small group (N = 9) of adults in a retirement center. Subjects indicated their motivations for attending were to learn, not be entertained. Further, evidence was presented that provided insight into the unobtrusive design of research in similar settings, and into the group dynamics and facilitation techniques of discussion groups with older adults.

The Life Satisfaction Index-Form A as applied to older adults: technical note on scoring patterns.

The value of standardized scales for determining life satisfaction among older adults is being questioned, but use of the scales continues. The Life Satisfaction Index‐Form A (LSIA) in its many variations continues to be among the most widely used scales for this purpose. In a comparison of two scoring methods (36‐point vs. 18‐point) for the LSIA, the lack of a significant difference indicated that a 36‐point scale is not necessary. Caution in the use and interpretation of the variances between the two scoring methods is suggested.