RESUMPTION OF ROLE STATUS THROUGH LEISURE IN LATER LIFE

The older adult population is more active and diverse than ever before . Meanwhile, societal expectations attached to the older person role h ave remained relatively static reflecting an era of very different hea lth and social conditions. Consequently, existing older adult role exp ectations are based on outdated images of older adult health and atten dant lifestyle preferences, which influence the way in which human ser vice organizations, including leisure service providers, support Older persons. Thus, many persons entering later stages of life today exper ience role-person misfit, particularly if they are not able to negotia te through the discrepancies between societal and individual role expe ctations. This article explores the possible impact of expectations as sociated with outdated older person roles and examines the role of lei sure in addressing the resultant role-person misfit. Evidence gleaned from the experiences of an institutionalized older adult who participa ted in cut action research project illustrates how basic role forces a nd institutional structural constraints can impinge on the realization of fulfilling leisure and suggests ways in which valued leisure pursu its may act as a catalyst in the resumption of valued role status for older adults.