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Abstract
Aims: This study explored the perspectives of older adults with medically diagnosed chronic conditions living in the community regarding their participation in leisure activities.
Methods: Data were collected using a phenomenological study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in January 2021 via Zoom, a video conference platform. A total of 5 participants, 2 males and 3 females, ranging in age from 67–84 were interviewed. Data were analyzed using open inductive coding following the Modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen approach via Microsoft Excel.
Results: Data analysis produced five primary themes: (a) physical challenges limit leisure participation, (b) adaptations/changes required to maintain leisure participation, (c) emotional response to limitations, (d) environmental barriers exacerbate limitations, and (e) intrinsic motivation necessary to overcome limitations and maintain participation.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that chronic conditions impact leisure participation through both physical and environmental barriers, yet participation can be sustained with adaptations and the intrinsic motivation to persevere.
Acknowledgement
The authors wish to thank Melissa M. Sweetman, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, CLA for her expertise in qualitative data analysis by providing training to the entire research team.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Funding
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.