중·장년층의 여가 인식과 여가 의미에 관한 근거이론적 분석: 50~60대를 중심으로

A Grounded Theoretical Analysis on Perceptions of Middle-aged People toward Leisure and Its Meaning: Focused on Their 50s & 60s

The purpose of this study is to analyze the subjective meaning of leisure of the middle-aged through their experiences. First, it was found that the motivation for the participants to start leisure activities was a long-held interest, an accidental occasion, health and socialization. In particular, the strong will to act before getting older was found to be the driving force behind the start of leisure activities. Second, the difficulties faced by the middle-aged in their 50s and 60s in leisure activities were found to be mentally and physically challenged, economic burdens, and situational and temporal burdens. However, this study showed that they have a positive attitude to accept these difficulties as they are and to endure and overcome with sincerity, constant practice, and daily efforts. Third, the middle-aged recognized the experience of improving their health, self-esteem, sense of accomplishment through leisure activities along with escaping from the stress they receive in their daily lives as the greatest intrinsic reward. Finally, the middle-aged people in this study showed the characteristics of deeply participating in leisure activities and were positively evaluating their lives. In addition, through the process of leisure activities, they not only found the balance of life by resetting the priorities of their lives, but also had a positive attitude such as designing new future goals.