Leisure, Recreation, and Education

This chapter provides the difference between core and peripheral leisure activities and how the differ for young and old people. Master athlete programs, lifelong learning institutes, and innovative volunteer programs all respond to the growing leisure, recreation, and education needs of older people. The lack of educational options for poor and less educated older people will continue as long as society provides little funding for learning in later life. Studies of minority leisure activities often compare minority and majority older people. Leisure activities differ by age. Leisure participation differs by gender as well as by age and race. Cultural and economic barriers can keep minority members from enjoying active leisure. Also, minority members may fear prejudice, and they may lack experience with active leisure. Leisure education programs can help contractors and expanders. Contractors can learn how to add new activities. Expanders can develop skills in the new activities they have begun.