Elderly Women's Experiences of Leisure Activities through Welfare Facilities
AUTHOR : 한진숙,한수정
INFORMATION : page. 115~131 / 2009 Vol.16 No.4
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning of elderly women's experiences of leisure activities through welfare facilities. The subjects in this study were eight elderly women aged between 65 and 70, who used a local welfare center to enjoy leisure activities in the city of D. After an in-depth interview was conducted, the data were transcribed and then analyzed utilizing Colaizzi's method, which was a phenomenological approach. As a result, four categories were decided upon: ‘being elderly means I have little to do’, ‘being anxious about the future’, ‘participating in leisure programs’, and ‘living a different life thanks to access to leisure activities’. The findings of the study show the vivid meaning of these elderly women's leisure experiences and what it takes for elderly women to lead a successful life. It further indicated how appropriate support was able to satisfy their needs and brought a about positive change to their lives. It is expected that this study will provide valuable evidence of the necessity of more leisure facilities and diverse programs to be provided for the elderly.