Leisure and older people: a concept analysis, and implications for nursing

Abstract

There is considerable healthcare literature exploring leisure participation by older people, yet the conceptualization of the term ‘leisure’ remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concept of leisure based on Walker and Avant’s concept analysis criteria, identifying the attributes, antecedents, consequences and empirical references of leisure based upon the findings of the literature review. A clear understanding of the concept of leisure for older people will provide nurses and other healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge to develop an efficient health promotion plan for leisure activities targeting the aging population.