Perceptions of Work and Leisure Among the Elderly

Based on interviews with 245 elderly respondents, it was concluded that perceptions of work were influenced by the nature of one's job before retirement, and perceptions of leisure were influenced by forced or voluntary retirement. In general, when people age or retire their perception of leisure tends to shift away from “freedom” and toward “pleasure.” Finally, indication of high participation rates on a check-list of activities does not mean that all activities are considered to be leisure by the subjects or that all assume the same degree of significance.