Nolwazi Ngcobo

This paper investigated the provision of recreation services for the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA). The main argument in the research is that the aged like any other age groups need to be provided with recreation services. The objectives underpinning this investigation include the following: •To reveal the adequacy of existing recreation services which are provided for the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area. •To determine the views that the aged population holds towards recreation participation by the aged. •To establish the extent to which the aged in the Durban Metropolitan Area value their recreation participation. •To establish the level of concessions granted to the aged by the recreation service providers in the Durban Metropolitan Area on utilising recreation facilities. A survey research method, comprising a self-completed questionnaire and a structured interview schedule, was used to gather data from the respondents who comprised 260 aged (main sample), 120 general members of the public and 10 recreation service providers in the DMA. This was further supplemented by the observation method. Having analysed the data, the chi-square test was used to test the validity and reliability of the hypotheses. The most salient findings indicate that the aged in the DMA are not adequately provided with recreation services, despite the fact that they attach certain positive values to recreation participation. The research further highlighted that the DMA needs to provide recreation programmes that the aged can afford. Non-prescriptive recommendations revolve inter alia around: conducting a needs analysis survey prior to the provision of recreation services for the aged. The location of recreation facilities to be used by the aged must be in an area that is easily accessible. Furthermore, the aged must be granted special concessions in the utilisation of recreation facilities.