Leisure time experiences of older women

This doctoral thesis aims to examine the leisure experiences of older women from a gender perspective, focusing on how they interpret and define their leisure time. The care and domestic responsibilities of older women within the household manifest themselves in their-leisure time experiences. In this context, the thesis investigates how these experiences are reflected in the intersection of age and gender. The study also examines how gender shapes the leisure time of older women. It explores how life cycles, such as retirement, transform the way older women spend their leisure time. In addition, the study aims to understand how the marital status of older women is reflected in their leisure practices. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods. Of the qualitative research designs, the phenomenological research design was adopted. The field study was carried out in the Lüleburgaz district of Kırklareli, with a sample of 40 women aged 65 and over. The obtained data was analysed using the stages of thematic analysis. Data analysis was carried out using the MAXQDA programme. Following the analysis, five main themes were identified: the meaning of time and leisure; leisure experiences; life cycles and leisure; daily life and leisure; and leisure constraints. The findings indicate that gender roles are reflected in the way older women perceive their leisure time. While leisure time experiences show diversity according to age, education, and marital status, they are mostly evaluated in the private sphere. In addition, the study emphasises that widowed and divorced older women find freedom in their leisure time. Additionally, it suggests that the factors limiting the leisure time of older women include health issues, the effects of the pandemic period, gender roles, grieving processes, economic difficulties, and environmental factors.