Blog Entry Three:
Personal accounts:
I would like to now introduce you to John & Enid, two retired people who I have come to know well and who were willing to provide their time and opinions around the topic of meaningful leisure occupations. They also shared how they chose to spend their time and how they feel these impacts on their well-being.
John: I asked John what comes to mind when he thinks about meaningful leisure occupations, his reply included traveling, watching documentaries, reading insightful articles and the NZ Listener and using the computer for the news, emailing and for downloading the photographs of flowers that he takes in the garden. Cryptic cross words for John are problem solving with words and he says it keeps the mind going. John also describes that he worked continuously for 52 years in a trade which required constant communication and now enjoys being the laborer around home and if he can do it, he will do it himself. John describes that he can do absolutely nothing and be perfectly content in doing so and this along with his meaningful occupations support a balance which therefore provides John with a perception of healthy a well-being (Personal communication, 2012).
A small collection of photographs taken by John.
Enid: When I asked Enid about what she describes as her meaningful occupations and her reply included, cooking, gardening, completing the responsibilities of being a marriage celebrant, crocheting, alterations to clothing, reading, knitting fish & chip baby jumpers, as well as dyeing and spinning wool, letter writing, walking her dog, socializing and that retirement is freedom! Enid mentions she has always been an active person, a teacher until retirement and even then would do relief teaching and support children’s education by tutoring. Keeping active and moving Enid says keeps her well. She uses activity as a self-help therapy along with medication, especially when the rheumatoid arthritis suddenly flares up. Here are a few photographs of the baby jumpers known as the ‘fish & chip baby’ jumpers that Enid knitted thousands of and they were sent to Ethiopia (Personal communication, 2012). (
A small collection of the ‘fish & chip baby’ jumpers knitted by Enid.
Here is a link to a news article published in the Southland Times about 'fish & chip baby' jumpers.
Here is a link to a news article published in the Southland Times about 'fish & chip baby' jumpers.
References:
John & Enid (2012), Personal Communications.
