The redefining of later life through leisure: music and dance groups in Brazil

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed at understanding the meanings that older adults attribute to two group leisure activities: dance classes and music get-togethers. The research question was: What are the meanings that older adults construct through group leisure activities? The study used ethnographic methods, specifically participant observation and in-depth one on one interviews. Two groups were selected in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In total, 32 in-depth interviews were conducted, 16 in each group. Data analysis included the development of categories, and entailed constant comparison between the two cases, which were then interpreted in terms of Consumer Culture Theory due to its relevance to leisure in contemporary societies. Six categories of meanings were identified in each group. Of these, five were common to both groups (well-being, hedonism, social connectedness, identity construction, and learning) and one category in each group was activity-specific: rediscovery of the body (dance) and nostalgia (music). The results of the study show how ageing becomes an asset to the individual rather than a liability, leading to a redefinition of what later life can be. In particular, we provide a novel perspective on leisure in later life by focusing on Brazil – an emerging country with a relational culture and high social inequality.

KEYWORDS:

• Leisure
• old age
• later life
• older adults

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Ciência e Tecnologia - Brasil (CNPq) under Grant no. 477757/2013-8, and by a PhD grant by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES).

Notes on contributors

Fabio Francisco de Araujo

Fabio Francisco de Araujo is an Assistant Professor of Marketing. He got his PhD at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro.  His research interests include leisure and nutrition.

Angela da Rocha

Angela da Rocha is a Professor of Marketing and International Business. She graduated in Economics and has a PhD in Business from IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain. Her research interests are focused in the study of culture and consumption.