CREATIVE, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE LATER YEARS - REALIZATION THROUGH LEISURE

The social, psychological and philosophical issues bearing on the creative, personal and social engagement of older people with intellectual disabilities (mental handicap) are examined. Specifically, the relevance of Laslett's concept of the Third Age, Nash's analysis of the nature of leisure in the second half of the Twentieth Century and Goode's formulation of Quality of Life concepts for people with disabilities are related to develop an overall view of leisure provision for older people in this population. The implications of such a view for models of service provision are considered with special reference to choice and flexibility of leisure context.