For people who pursue some of the more challenging outdoor recreation activities, they have many opportunities for development of self-image and self-confidence, cooperation and trust, and physical fitness. These benefits frequently are only gained through sporting and other leisure time activities in a natural environment.
Up until now, however, the emphasis has not been on recreational facilities for this older population. In a study conducted for the YMCA (Blanding, 1994) as part of the Comprehensive Leisure and Aging Study of the University of Northern Colorado and National Retired Persons Association, directors of senior centers and programs were asked to say whether or not they provided any of a select group of outdoor recreation activities. As noted by the following chart, very few senior centers or programs have been providing much in the way outdoor recreation activities. Often, this is due to barriers placed by professionals or by older adults themselves with regard to outdoor recreation. For many, the urban environment in which they reside provides a perceived barrier to outdoor recreation possibilities.
Outdoor Recreation
Activity
Provided
Winter sports
Camping/backpacking
Water sports
Nature activities
Adventure/risk
Hunting/fishing
Hiking/walking/biking
However, in a study conducted of Colorado senior center directors, a state in which outdoor locations are easily accessible, it was found that many perceived cost, lack of experience, and fear as reasons for non-participation by older adults. Similarly, in a Maine study, it was discovered that many of these senior center professionals did not know where to find qualified leaders for outdoor activities particularly for this age group. Insurance and liability concerns enter into the picture for potential providers of outdoor recreation who are hesitant that such programs may endanger older individuals. In several studies of leisure constraints, it has been found that lack of experience and knowledge, cost, transportation, lack of companionship, fear, and misconceptions contribute to non-participation by older adults.
To determine responses that must be made in society to accommodate these new adult challenges, researchers are beginning to take an in-depth look at leisure and recreation behaviors associated with the babyboomers (e.g. Kelly et al., 1987; Warnick, 1987). However, even though the age is important in this case, especially due to the unique make up of the boomer personality, it is necessary to keep in mind that age is only one of several factors that will impact leisure-time participative patterns. Health, income level, education, past social activities, early life recreation experiences, occupational and leisure attitudes also significantly impact recreation behavior.
For example, the American Association of Retired People (AARP website) conducted a study in 2004 to investigate how these millions of individuals within this babyboomer generation and the various segments within it have progressed with their planning and preparation for retirement. With this study, data were collected in 30-minute telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,200 Americans ages
38 to 57. Also, an oversample survey was conducted with African-American and Hispanic babyboomers to yield a total, when combined with those in the general sample, of 309 African-American and 301 Hispanic participants. Several key findings came out of this study:
1) Babyboomers are far more likely now than five years ago previous to the survey to describe themselves as knowledgeable about and favorably predisposed toward Social Security. These boomers feel more confident that Medicare will be available when they reach age 65; 2) Boomers remain optimistic about retirement, but their expectations, particularly those related to finance, have become much more conservative; and 3) These individuals' primary definitions of retirement are largely unchanged since 1998. Their main goals are to spend more time with family, pursue hobbies and interests, and enjoy leisure.
A study about senior recreation by Del Webb retirement communities found that active recreation, particularly adventurous pursuits such as hiking and river rafting, are developing into high ranking lifestyle activities for individuals over 55. At the top of the list were health and fitness activities including strength training and cardio workouts. Although individual sporting activities such as swimming, kayaking and even hang gliding are becoming more of interest, this age group also ranks team sports such as softball and tennis high. Nearly 20% of the respondents rated softball "extremely important" and 25% said the same about tennis. However, it is not no...
Given the declining ratio of workers to reitirees, the level of increases to fix the shortfall would be too burdensome and would negatively impact consumption of workers who aren't retired. Reducing the rate of growth in benefits for future retirees could work if implemented in an appropriate manner. An outright reduction in benefits would be too punitive on retirees and would further dampen consumption. Instead, the reduction in benefits would
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