Bridging the Leisure Gap Between Middle-Aged Adults and Younger Generations
By 2025, South Korea will officially enter a super-aged society. For the middle-aged and older population, designing the second half of life has become a pressing issue. In this context, “leisure” is no longer a luxury—it’s a key factor that determines one’s quality of life.
Yet the data reveal an ironic reality. Adults aged 60 and older have more leisure time than younger adults, but they report lower levels of satisfaction with that time. Why does this discrepancy exist? What factors are contributing to this "leisure gap"?
This article explores the latest academic study titled “Older Adults’ Perception and Experience of the Leisure Gap with Younger Adults: A Photovoice Study” (Lee & Kang, 2024). We’ll dive into the lived experiences of middle-aged adults, how they perceive this gap, and the practical solutions they themselves suggest.
1. Time Abounds, But Satisfaction Is Scarce
According to the 2022 National Leisure Activity Survey, people in their 60s and older have an average of 4 to 5 hours of leisure time on weekdays—significantly more than people in their 20s and 30s. However, when it comes to the variety, frequency, and satisfaction of their leisure activities, older adults consistently lag behind.
The most common leisure activities among this age group include watching TV, taking naps, or doing nothing at all—highlighting a trend toward passive, solitary engagement. Moreover, as digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in leisure culture, the digital divide contributes further to the inequality. Many older adults feel left behind in a world of apps, streaming services, and online communities.
2. The Leisure Gap Visualized: 6 Dimensions from a Photovoice Perspective
The study used a participatory method known as “Photovoice,” where participants took photos representing their leisure experiences and discussed them in interviews. This method allowed for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the issues.
Through this approach, six major themes emerged:
2.1. Gap in Willingness to Try New Things: “New is intimidating”
While younger generations actively seek out diverse experiences—like attending art classes, food workshops, or solo trips—many middle-aged adults avoid new experiences out of fear or lack of confidence. Comments such as “I’m not sure I can do it,” or “I don’t know where to start” are common. Their perception of leisure is rooted in familiarity and repetition, not exploration.
2.2. Gap in Consumption Mindset: “Frugality vs. Fulfillment”
Younger adults are more willing to spend money on fulfilling, aesthetic, or rare experiences (so-called “emotional value”). In contrast, older adults often prioritize affordability (so-called “cost-efficiency”). For example, many see luxury cinema seats or one-on-one Pilates sessions as extravagant, while their children view them as valuable self-investments.
2.3. Conceptual Gap in the Meaning of Leisure
Many older participants didn’t recognize activities like learning to ride a bike or taking an art class as “leisure.” Instead, they saw them as either work-related or non-essential. To them, leisure means rest—not self-development or social engagement.
2.4. Gap in Relationship Preferences: “Togetherness over solitude”
Unlike younger adults who enjoy solo activities like eating out alone or solo travel, many middle-aged individuals feel anxious about being alone. They’re also less comfortable joining group activities with strangers, especially through online platforms. Group-based, familiar relationships remain the preferred structure for leisure.
2.5. Gap in Care Responsibilities: “My time is not really mine”
Caring for elderly parents, spouses undergoing treatment, or unmarried adult children limits the flexibility and freedom of middle-aged adults. Unlike younger generations who prioritize themselves, many middle-aged adults still put family first, sacrificing their leisure time in the process.
2.6. Gap in Digital Adaptability: “Information is everywhere, but out of reach”
Participants expressed frustration at not being able to access digital maps, register for programs online, or understand apps. The rapid pace of digital change outstrips their learning curve, resulting in a growing sense of helplessness. This digital barrier significantly limits their participation in modern leisure experiences.
3. Six Solutions Proposed by the Participants Themselves
A highlight of this study is that participants didn’t just point out the problems—they also suggested actionable solutions based on their own needs and experiences:
3.1. Provide Affordable and Diverse Leisure Programs
Rather than offering free programs (which often result in no-shows), participants suggested low-cost, high-value programs to encourage consistent participation. Affordable fitness, travel, and cultural workshops tailored for middle-aged adults could make a real difference.
3.2. Improve Access to Leisure Information
Because many older adults are not active on digital platforms like Instagram or Naver Cafe, outreach through local newspapers, bulletin boards, public broadcasters, and community centers is crucial. Offline visibility matters more than online SEO.
3.3. Build Community-Based Leisure Groups
Participants strongly favored having familiar peers in group activities. Local leisure groups where members can bond, share experiences, and continue meeting regularly were seen as more valuable than one-time events.
3.4. Develop Leisure Education Programs
Many expressed a need for educational programs that explain what leisure is, why it matters, and how to explore it in meaningful ways. “What’s the point of learning this?” was a recurring doubt among participants—something that could be addressed through engaging and purpose-driven education.
3.5. Implement Tiered Programs Based on Skill Level
Intergenerational classes often made older adults feel left behind. Organizing leisure programs based on skill level or age (e.g., “beginner-friendly,” “senior-only classes”) can reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
3.6. Support for Family Caregivers’ Leisure
Some participants were unable to engage in leisure due to caregiving duties. Providing respite programs, short getaways, or even transportation support for caregivers could help middle-aged adults reclaim some of their time.
4. Leisure Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Right
This study underscores the importance of listening to middle-aged adults directly. Rather than defining their needs through top-down policymaking, real change begins with their own perspectives and ideas.
Leisure is not just about passing time—it’s a critical pillar of well-being, especially in later life. Addressing the leisure gap requires more than just scheduling classes or building facilities. It requires us to rethink access, inclusion, and the cultural mindset around aging and time.
In a super-aging society, if we do not actively address these disparities, the risks include increased isolation, depression, and health decline. On the other hand, bridging the leisure gap can lead to greater dignity, joy, and participation in life’s second chapter.
Source:
Lee, H., & Kang, J. (2024). Older Adults’ Perception and Experience of the Leisure Gap with Younger Adults: A Photovoice Study. Journal of Tourism Sciences, 48(2), 111–133.