Experiences and Meanings of Leisure among the Middle-class Baby Boomers Residing in Metropolitan Area

In Korea, the baby boomer generation has recently begun to enter the older population, and their socioeconomic status is higher than that of previous older generations. They are interested in how they will use their leisure time after retirement, but there has been a lack of research specifically examining their leisure activities. This study examined the overall experiences and opinions regarding the leisure activities of eight middle-class baby boomers residing in the metropolitan area. The data collection methods was a focus group interview (FGI) survey centered on semi-structured questions that included the experiences and opinions. The primary findings of the FGI were that patterns of leisure activities differed between weekdays and weekends, and the main motivations for the leisure activities were to maintain health and to promote social relationships and communications. In addition, factors that hinder them from enjoying the leisure activities include financial burdens, health problems, and lack of time, while the leisure activities they want are activities that can generate a small amount of income or activities that give them a sense of accomplishment or reward. The findings of this study imply that middle-class baby boomers desire an environment where they can enjoy leisure activities and stay healthy as they age, and prefer leisure activities that give them a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment, such as social volunteering or paid activities. The last part of this research discussed the need for leisure support policies taking into account the unique leisure-related needs of the baby boomers, which are different from those of previous older generations.