The nature of leisure in the lives of older adults with intellectual disability

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of leisure in a sample of older adults with intellectual disability. Twenty-nine older adults participated in indepth interviews. An interview guide was utilized which included topics relating to leisure participation and social interaction in a variety of environments. Data were analysed according to the constant comparative method. The most pronounced theme that emerged from the data was lack of self-determination in leisure. Participants had few opportunities to freely choose leisure in any aspect of their lives. In many cases, opportunities for self-determined leisure were further constricted by age-related changes in the participants' lives.