Civic & Community Engagement

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Civic and Community Engagement » Recreational Opportunities

Why It's Important

Participation in recreational opportunities allows for social interaction by creating a common bond of interest that facilitates social interaction among participants. Recreation is an important part of a person's social behavior and can prevent social isolation in seniors. Despite the established benefits of recreational activities, people reduce their participation in these activities as they get older. Barriers such as scarce financial resources, lack of transportation, particularly in rural areas, and poor health can limit the recreation activities of older adults.

In many cases, people engage in recreational activities such as volunteerism, life-long learning or physical activities simply for the social benefits. Recreation is also one of several factors affecting wellness in older adults, and it plays a positive role in quality of life and life satisfaction.

See Data By: Richmond MSA | Virginia | National

How Richmond is Doing

â€¢ While recreation is not a top tier issue among community members, one in five (17%) says it's very important. (ODP Resident, 2008)

Importance of Recreation, Richmond MSA
(ODP Resident, 2008)

Recreation ranks much higher on the list of how the community performs, with more than one in ten (13%) saying the region performs "very well" on entertainment, culture and recreation, and more than two in five agreeing the region performs. (ODP RESIDENT, 2008)

Recreation ranks high
(ODP RESIDENT, 2008)

How Virginia Is Doing

Content coming.

How the U.S. Is Doing

AARP's Focalyst reported in 2008 that boomers are not all winding down with age. The typical Boomer regularly participates in an average of ten activities, and the participation extends beyond going to church or gardening. The top activities are listening to music, dining out, movies, and fitness walking/exercising regularly. And they are on line. Eighty-two percent of Boomers use the internet, and their online activities extend beyond just email to instant messaging, downloading music or movies, financial transactions and online gaming.

(AARP, HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW BOOMERS, 2008)