Leisure activities among older Germans - a qualitative study

Background. Leisure activities contribute to well-being and health in old age. Community nurses should consequently promote such activities among older persons. To do so they need an understanding of older persons' interest in leisure activities. Social contacts, volunteering and pursuit of hobbies and interests constitute the main aspects of leisure.
Aims and objectives. This study aimed to determine the attitudes of older Germans to these aspects to identify user types of leisure time facilities.
Design. A qualitative study was conducted within a community-based project in an industrial town in West Germany.
Methods. Data were collected with semi-structured guideline interviews and evaluated with qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.
Results. With regard to social contacts attitudes ranged from limited need for contacts to being a reliable member in an older persons' club. Social engagement is only found among the latter. Pursuit of hobbies and interest ranged from being a minimal user of leisure time facilities to refined expectations. Inflexible group structures may prevent potential users from participation despite having a programme in accordance with target group needs.
Conclusions. Attitudes to leisure activities can be described as a combination of two dimensions: the degree of social involvement and the desired refinement of hobbies and interest.
Implications for practice. Community nurses who organise social afternoons need to assess these attitudes and should steer social dynamics of in a way that facilitates access for newcomers. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.