Leisure among older widowed Maltese women

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation was to give voice, where leisure was concerned, to women aged sixty and older who, at the time of the research, had been widowed for two years or more. The aim of this study was to look into the type of leisure activities they engage in and the effect leisure has on their life. This research also focused on the factors which might prevent widows from getting access to leisure activities and social networks, as well as underlining the facilitating factors. This study also investigated the challenges they face with regards to society's expectations and the stereotypes they have to deal with or renegotiate as widowed, older women. A qualitative approach was used in this study. The data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The interviews were carried out with 10 Maltese widows, who were 60 years old and residing in different areas of Malta, as well as deriving from different social backgrounds. Qualitative research was found to the most effective because it is issue-oriented and gave a better understanding of the participants’ lives. The results of this research show the benefits widowed, older women obtain from leisure. It was proven that keeping active and participating in leisure kept older people more engaged in society. Leisure in old age was found to reduce loneliness and helped the participants lead a more fulfilled life. Not all the participants had access to leisure activities and/or friends. It was found that the participants’ past employment history, their access to private transport, money and/or the individual’s personality had an effect on the type of leisure activities opted for, and the participants’ social wellbeing also impacted the results.