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.

KEYWORDS:

• COPD
• coping
• leisure
• selective optimization with compensation